2025 CPT code 15273
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Application of skin substitute graft to trunk, arms, legs; first 100 sq cm or 1% of body area of infants and children (for each additional 100 sq cm, see 15274)
Modifiers may be applicable. Common modifiers used with 15273 include 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) to indicate that the application of the skin substitute was separate from another procedure performed at the same time.
Medical necessity for application of a skin substitute graft is established by the presence of a wound requiring coverage to promote healing, prevent infection, reduce pain, or minimize scarring.
The physician prepares the wound area, selects and prepares the appropriate size and type of skin substitute graft material (such as allograft or xenograft), and applies the graft to the wound bed, ensuring proper adherence.
In simple words: This procedure involves applying a skin substitute (like a temporary skin covering) to a large wound on the body (trunk, arms, or legs).The code covers the first 100 square centimeters of the wound or 1% of the body area in infants and children. If the wound is larger, an additional code is used for each additional 100 square centimeters.
Application of skin substitute graft to trunk, arms, legs, total wound surface area greater than or equal to 100 sq cm; first 100 sq cm wound surface area, or 1% of body area of infants and children.For each additional 100 sq cm of wound surface area or each additional 1% of body area of infants and children, use code 15274.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 150 sq cm burn wound on their leg. 15273 would be reported for the first 100 sq cm, and 15274 would be reported for the additional 50 sq cm. , A child with a 0.5% body surface area burn on their trunk requires a skin substitute graft. Code 15273 is reported., A large traumatic wound on the arm measuring 220 sq cm is treated with a skin substitute graft.15273 is reported for the first 100 sq cm, and two units of 15274 are reported for the remaining 120 sq cm.
Documentation should include the location, size (in square centimeters or percentage of body surface area), and etiology of the wound; the type of skin substitute used; and the method of application. Photographs may also be helpful.
** The supply of the skin substitute graft is reported separately.