2025 CPT code 15271
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System - Skin Grafts Surgery Feed
Application of skin substitute graft to trunk, arms, legs; up to 25 sq cm wound surface area.
Modifiers may be used to indicate multiple procedures (51), different sites (59), or other relevant circumstances. Refer to the CPT manual for appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity is established by documentation showing that the wound is not healing adequately with conservative wound care measures, and a skin substitute is necessary to promote healing and prevent complications such as infection or excessive scarring.The documentation should justify the choice of the specific type of skin substitute.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional prepares the wound, selects and prepares the appropriate skin substitute graft, applies the graft, and ensures proper adherence. Post-operative care may also be included depending on the specific circumstances and facility policy.
In simple words: The doctor uses a special skin substitute (like a skin patch from a donor or animal) to cover a wound on the patient's body (trunk, arms, or legs). This code is for wounds up to 25 square centimeters (a little larger than a postage stamp).If the wound is bigger, extra codes will be added.
This CPT code (15271) describes the application of a skin substitute graft to the trunk, arms, or legs of a patient.The total wound surface area must be up to 100 sq cm, and this code specifically covers the first 25 sq cm or less of the wound surface area.The procedure involves preparing the wound, applying the skin substitute graft (allograft, xenograft, or other suitable material), and ensuring proper adhesion to promote healing and improve cosmetic appearance. Additional codes (+15272) are used for each additional 25 sq cm of wound area.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 15 sq cm full-thickness burn wound on their left forearm. The physician applies a xenograft skin substitute. Code 15271 is used to bill for the application of the graft., A patient has a 40 sq cm chronic wound on their lower leg requiring a skin substitute. The physician utilizes an allograft. Codes 15271 and +15272 x 1 are reported., A patient with a diabetic foot ulcer of 90 sq cm needs a skin substitute. The physician uses a synthetic skin substitute. The physician applies codes 15271 and +15272 x 3.
Detailed medical record documenting the size and location of the wound, type of skin substitute used (with specific product name and lot number if applicable), pre-operative preparation, procedure performed, and post-operative care instructions.Pictures of the wound before and after the procedure are beneficial.
** HCPCS codes A2001-A2010 should be billed separately for the supply of the skin substitute graft material.Always verify payer-specific coding and reimbursement policies.
- Revenue Code: P5A (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - SKIN)
- RVU: Data not available in source. Refer to CMS guidelines and local payer policies for RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days: 0 days (applies to physicians, not facilities).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Data not available in source. Fee schedules vary by payer and geographic location. Refer to your local fee schedule for historical data.
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Wound Care
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient