CPT® Code 14301

Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement is a surgical procedure performed to cover a defect in the skin and underlying tissue. This defect may arise from various causes, including traumatic wounds, lacerations, or surgical excisions of lesions or scars. In cases where a lesion or scar is present, the first step involves excising the affected tissue to create a primary defect. The surgeon then evaluates this primary defect to determine the most suitable method for tissue transfer or rearrangement. Various techniques may be employed, including Z-plasty, W-plasty, V-Y-plasty, rotation flaps, advancement flaps, or double pedicle flaps, each chosen based on the specific characteristics of the defect and surrounding tissue. During the procedure, adjacent skin and subcutaneous tissue are carefully incised and elevated, ensuring that one or more borders of the tissue remain attached to maintain blood supply. This action creates a secondary defect, which is then addressed by undermining the surrounding tissue to facilitate the mobilization of the skin flaps. The elevated tissue is subsequently transferred or rearranged to effectively cover the primary defect. In some cases, the configuration of the transfer may also address the secondary defect, or alternatively, the secondary defect may be closed using a separately reportable skin graft. The size of both the primary and secondary defects is measured to determine the appropriate coding for the procedure. For defects measuring between 30.1 and 60.0 square centimeters, the appropriate code to use is 14301, while for each additional 30.0 square centimeters or part thereof, code 14302 should be utilized.