How To Use CPT Code 15937

CPT code 15937 describes the excision of a sacral pressure ulcer in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 15937?

CPT 15937 is used to describe the excision of a sacral pressure ulcer in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy. This code is used when the provider removes the pressure sore and its underlying bone in the sacral area, preparing the wound for closure with a graft of skin or skin and muscle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15937 is: ‘Excision, sacral pressure ulcer, in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 15937, the provider first assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for excision of the sacral pressure ulcer. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The provider then makes an incision around the ulcerated region of the sacrum and removes the ulcerated tissue. Part of the nearby bone is also removed. The wound is then prepared, creating a clean base for subsequent myocutaneous flap or a skin graft taken from a donor site, usually from the latissimus dorsi muscle.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 15937 are those with a sacral pressure ulcer that requires excision in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy. The procedure is performed by a qualified provider who has determined the need for excision based on the patient’s condition. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 15937

CPT code 15937 should be used when the provider performs the excision of a sacral pressure ulcer in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy. This code should not be used for excisions in other locations or for other types of ulcers.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15937, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a sacral pressure ulcer
• Need for excision in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, removal of ulcerated tissue and bone, and preparation of the wound
• Use of a myocutaneous flap or skin graft for closure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15937, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider and meets the criteria for excision of a sacral pressure ulcer in preparation for muscle or myocutaneous flap or skin graft closure with ostectomy. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 15937 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 15937 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a sacral pressure ulcer undergoes excision of the ulcer and underlying bone in preparation for a myocutaneous flap closure.
2. A provider performs the excision of a sacral pressure ulcer and prepares the wound for closure with a skin graft taken from the latissimus dorsi muscle.
3. A patient with a sacral pressure ulcer requires excision and ostectomy to create a clean base for subsequent muscle flap closure.
4. A provider removes an ulcerated tissue and part of the nearby bone in the sacral area to prepare the wound for closure with a myocutaneous flap.
5. A patient with a sacral pressure ulcer undergoes excision and ostectomy in preparation for a skin graft closure.
6. A provider performs the excision of a sacral pressure ulcer and prepares the wound for closure with a myocutaneous flap taken from a donor site.
7. A patient with a sacral pressure ulcer requires excision and ostectomy to create a clean base for subsequent skin graft closure.
8. A provider removes the ulcerated tissue and part of the nearby bone in the sacral area to prepare the wound for closure with a myocutaneous flap.
9. A patient with a sacral pressure ulcer undergoes excision and ostectomy in preparation for a skin graft closure.
10. A provider performs the excision of a sacral pressure ulcer and prepares the wound for closure with a myocutaneous flap taken from a donor site.