2025 CPT code 15733

Muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flap; head and neck with named vascular pedicle (i.e., buccinators, genioglossus, temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae).

Refer to CPT guidelines for proper coding of this procedure.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances, such as modifier 62 for co-surgeons or modifier 59 for distinct procedural services.

Medical necessity should be justified by the underlying condition requiring the flap reconstruction. This may include trauma, cancer resection, congenital defects, or other medical conditions resulting in tissue loss or defects.

The surgeon performs the procedure under general anesthesia, prepares both the donor and recipient sites, dissects the flap while preserving the blood supply, transfers the flap to the recipient site, and closes both sites with sutures.They also provide post-operative care.

IMPORTANT For forehead flap with preservation of vascular pedicle or anterior pericranial flap on named vascular pedicle, use 15731. For repair of head and neck defects using non-axial pattern advancement flaps and/or repair by adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, see 14040, 14041, 14060, 14061, 14301, 14302. For microvascular flaps, see 15756-15758. For flaps without inclusion of a vascular pedicle, see 15570-15576. For adjacent tissue transfer flaps, see 14000-14302.

In simple words: The surgeon creates a flap of tissue from the head or neck, keeping its blood supply intact. This flap is then used to cover and repair a nearby wound or defect in the same area. The procedure involves carefully moving the tissue and stitching it into place while ensuring proper blood flow for healing.

Creation of a muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flap from specific head and neck muscles (buccinators, genioglossus, temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, or levator scapulae), preserving the vascular pedicle, for reconstructive purposes in the head and neck region.This code does not include extensive immobilization or donor site repair requiring skin grafts or local flaps. It also excludes microvascular flaps and adjacent tissue transfer flaps.

Example 1: Reconstruction of a cheek defect following Mohs surgery for skin cancer., Repair of a complex laceration on the neck., Closure of an oronasal fistula.

Documentation should include: size and location of the defect, type of flap used (muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous), name of the vascular pedicle, operative report detailing the procedure, and any complications.

  • Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital, Physician's Office
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