CPT code 15276 refers to using a special covering on certain areas of the body to help heal skin wounds. CPT 15276 represents “Application of skin substitute graft to face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits, total wound surface area up to 100 sq cm; each additional 25 sq cm wound surface area, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves applying a synthetic or natural skin covering to help wounds on areas like the face, neck, hands, feet, and more heal better. It’s meant for treating relatively small wounds, up to a certain size, and extra charges may apply if the area being treated is larger. The procedure doesn’t include any major surgeries or deep tissue corrections; it’s a straightforward application to aid in skin healing.
Common Names:
- Skin Graft Substitute
- Artificial Skin Application
- Dermal Replacement
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 0.5.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Skin Substitute Application
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Application of Skin Substitute Graft
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients who have wounds that won’t heal properly on their own, often due to burns, surgeries, or injuries. For instance, someone who had surgery on their hand and has a slow-healing wound might benefit from this treatment to speed up recovery.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- T21.24: Description for burns on the face, requiring extra care like skin substitutes.
- T22.32: Wounds or burns on the hands that benefit from additional healing assistance.
- T30.0: Minor but widespread skin damage needing special dressing like a skin substitute.
Summary
In summary, code 15276 describes applying a skin substitute graft to help wounds heal, particularly for areas like the face or hands. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 15276 include T21.24 (burns on face) and T22.32 (hand wounds).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.