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2025 CPT code 15221

Full-thickness skin graft, free, including direct closure of donor site, scalp, arms, and/or legs; each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof.

This code is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with 15220.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.

Medical necessity for a full-thickness skin graft is determined by the nature and extent of the wound, the patient's overall health, and other relevant clinical factors.

Full thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) include the entire dermal layer. The provider removes the skin from the donor site and transfers it to the recipient bed. He then closes both the donor and the recipient sites.

IMPORTANT:(Use 15221 in conjunction with 15220)

In simple words: This code represents a procedure where a full layer of skin is taken from one area of the body and used to cover another area on the scalp, arms, or legs.This code is used for every additional 20 square centimeters (or part of) of skin that is grafted.

Full-thickness skin graft, free, including direct closure of donor site, for the scalp, arms, and/or legs; each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure). This code is used for each additional 20 sq cm or part thereof of a free full–thickness skin graft of the scalp, arms, and/or legs.

Example 1: A patient has a 30 sq cm burn wound on their arm requiring a full-thickness skin graft.15220 would be used for the first 20 sq cm and 15221 for the additional 10 sq cm., A patient has a 45 sq cm laceration on their scalp requiring a full-thickness skin graft. 15220 would be reported for the initial 20 sq cm, and 15221 would be reported twice—once for the next 20 sq cm and again for the remaining 5 sq cm., A patient undergoes a surgical procedure on their leg resulting in a 60 sq cm area requiring a full-thickness skin graft.15220 would be used for the first 20 sq cm, and 15221 would be reported twice for the remaining 40 sq cm (in 20 sq cm increments).

Documentation should include the size and location of the recipient site, the donor site location, the method of closure for both sites, and the complexity of the repair.

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