2025 CPT code 15783
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Dermabrasion of skin, superficial, any site (e.g., tattoo removal).
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service when performed in conjunction with other procedures.
While often considered cosmetic, medical necessity can be established in cases like removal of precancerous lesions or treatment of certain skin conditions. Documentation supporting the medical necessity should be provided to the payer.
The physician prepares the patient, administers anesthesia, and then uses a dermabrader with various tips to abrade the superficial skin layers. They select the appropriate tip size, shape, and surface for the desired level of abrasion.
In simple words: This procedure involves lightly sanding the skin's surface to remove tattoos, very light scars, or lesions.The doctor uses a special tool with different tips to abrade the skin, sometimes manually with sandpaper. It's often done for cosmetic reasons.
This code describes a superficial dermabrasion procedure performed on any area of the body. It involves the removal of the outermost layers of skin using an abrasive device, often for cosmetic purposes like tattoo removal or treating superficial scars or lesions. The procedure typically involves local or general anesthesia and may require multiple sessions depending on the size and depth of the area being treated.
Example 1: A patient wants a small, faded tattoo on their wrist removed. Superficial dermabrasion is performed., A patient has superficial acne scars on their cheek that they want to reduce. Superficial dermabrasion is used to smooth the skin texture., A patient has a precancerous actinic keratosis on their forehead requiring removal. Superficial dermabrasion is performed to abrade the affected area.
Documentation should include the size and location of the treated area, the type of anesthesia used, the dermabrader tips used, and any complications encountered. Photographs before and after the procedure are helpful. In cases of medical necessity, documentation supporting the diagnosis and treatment plan should also be included.
** Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are often confused but represent different levels of skin abrasion. Microdermabrasion is more superficial and is considered cosmetic. It is important to differentiate between these procedures and use the appropriate CPT code for accurate billing. Check with the individual payer for coverage policies, as many payers consider dermabrasion for cosmetic indications as non-covered services.
- Revenue Code: P6A
- Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital