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Autologous fat grafting, commonly referred to as fat transfer, is a surgical procedure that involves the harvesting of adipose tissue from one area of the patient's body, typically through a liposuction technique, and then injecting it into another area to restore volume or improve contour. This procedure can be performed for both reconstructive and aesthetic purposes, addressing issues such as volume loss or contour deformities that may arise from various factors including disease, trauma, tumor removal, congenital defects, or the natural aging process. The process begins with the careful harvesting of fat, which is then processed through specific techniques to prepare it for injection. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the skin, corresponding to the size of the injection cannula(s). These cannulas are inserted through the incisions and guided to the targeted areas where the fat is to be injected. As the cannula is withdrawn, the autologous fat is injected in small amounts, distributed in a fanned-out pattern at different depths. This technique helps to minimize interstitial pressure and prevents overcrowding of the transplanted adipocytes, which is crucial for the success of the graft. The CPT® Code 15773 is used to report the initial autologous fat grafting procedure involving 25 cc or less of injectate, while CPT® Code 15774 is designated for each additional 25 cc or part thereof, allowing for precise billing and documentation of the procedure performed.
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The procedure of autologous fat grafting is indicated for various conditions and purposes, including:
The autologous fat grafting procedure involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:
Following the autologous fat grafting procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas. It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include recommendations for pain management, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. The expected recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's healing response. Patients should be informed about the possibility of some fat resorption over time, which may affect the final results of the grafting.
| Short Descr | GFRG AUTOL FAT LIPO EA ADDL | Medium Descr | GRAFTING OF AUTOLOGOUS FAT BY LIPO EA ADDL 25 CC | Long Descr | Grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and/or feet; each additional 25 cc injectate, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 3 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 15773 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC T ASC G2 Grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and/or feet; 25 cc or less injectate |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2020-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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