Start New EnglishEspañol中文РусскийالعربيةTiếng ViệtFrançaisDeutsch한국어Tagalog Library Performance

2025 CPT code 15838

Excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (including lipectomy) of the submental fat pad.

Refer to CPT guidelines for integumentary system procedures and excisions. Ensure appropriate modifier usage (e.g., -22 for increased procedural services, -50 for bilateral procedures).

Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) is commonly used if the procedure is significantly more complex than usual.

Medical necessity must be established for insurance coverage. While often considered cosmetic, the procedure can be medically necessary if the excess tissue causes functional problems (e.g., difficulty swallowing, limited range of motion). Detailed documentation supporting the functional impairment is crucial.

The physician marks, incises, and removes excess skin and subcutaneous fat, sometimes using liposuction. They then close the incision.

IMPORTANT Consider these codes depending on the specific procedure:* 21555 (Excision, tumor, soft tissue of neck; less than 3 cm) for removal of a neck mass.* 21556 (Excision, tumor, soft tissue of neck; subfascial, less than 5 cm) for removal of a deeper neck mass.* 41007 (Incision and drainage of abscess, cyst, or hematoma; submental space, intraoral approach) for draining an abscess or cyst in the submental area.* 41016 (Incision and drainage of abscess, cyst, or hematoma; submental space, external approach) for draining an abscess or cyst in the submental area.

In simple words: This procedure removes excess skin and fat under the chin (double chin) to improve appearance and function.

This code describes a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and subcutaneous tissue, including fat, from the submental area (under the chin or double chin). It often involves lipectomy (surgical removal of fat) and is performed to improve contour and function.

Example 1: A patient with a large submental fat pad causing cosmetic concerns undergoes lipectomy and skin excision using code 15838., A patient with excess skin and fat under the chin causing difficulty swallowing or neck movement undergoes the procedure described by 15838., A patient post significant weight loss has redundant skin and fat in the submental area. The physician performs the excision described by code 15838.

Documentation should include the size and location of the excess tissue, any functional impairments, pre- and postoperative photographs, operative details (including techniques used), and pathology reports if applicable.

** Reimbursement for this code can vary significantly among payers, as it is often viewed as a cosmetic procedure. Strong documentation supporting medical necessity is essential. Pre-authorization from the insurance company may be required. Always verify coverage with the payer before performing the procedure.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

Discover what matters.

iFrame™ AI's knowledge is aligned with and limited to the materials uploaded by users and should not be interpreted as medical, legal, or any other form of advice by iFrame™.