CPT® Code 15003

Add-On Code

Surgical preparation or creation of recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar (including subcutaneous tissues), or incisional release of scar contracture, trunk, arms, legs; each additional 100 sq cm, or part thereof, or each additional 1% of body area of infants and children (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 15003 refers to the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site through the excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scars, which may include the removal of subcutaneous tissues or the incisional release of scar contracture. This procedure is specifically applicable to areas on the trunk, arms, and legs. The code is utilized when the surgical preparation involves an area exceeding the initial 100 square centimeters or 1% of the body area in infants and children. It is important to note that this code is reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code. The common language description indicates that the physician may perform various actions, such as excising an open wound or burn eschar, removing an existing scar, or making an incision to alleviate skin contracture caused by a scar. The procedure may also involve simple debridement or the removal of granulation tissue to establish a healthy vascular tissue bed, which is essential for the successful placement of a skin graft. This preparation is crucial for repairing defects in the skin, and once the recipient site is adequately prepared, a separately reportable skin graft can be applied. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 15002 is used to report the surgical preparation of the first 100 square centimeters or 1% of body area in infants or children, while CPT® Code 15003 is used to report each additional 100 square centimeters or each additional 1% of body area for infants and children, or any number of additional square centimeters or percentage of the child's body area within those measured amounts.