CPT® Code 15100

Split-thickness autograft, trunk, arms, legs; first 100 sq cm or less, or 1% of body area of infants and children (except 15050)

A split-thickness autograft is a surgical procedure that involves the transplantation of skin from one area of the body (the donor site) to another area that requires coverage due to a defect, such as a wound or burn. This type of graft includes the entire epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, and a portion of the dermis, the underlying layer that provides structure and support. The procedure is typically performed on the trunk, arms, or legs, and is particularly useful for covering larger defects. Common sites for harvesting the graft include the thigh, buttocks, abdominal wall, or scalp, where the skin can be removed with minimal impact on the donor area. The harvesting of a split-thickness skin graft is often accomplished using a specialized instrument known as a dermatome, which allows for precise control over the thickness of the graft. Prior to harvesting, the donor site is usually injected with a local anesthetic and epinephrine to minimize pain and control bleeding during the procedure. The dermatome is then adjusted to the desired depth and moved across the skin in a continuous motion, effectively removing the graft. Once harvested, the graft may be prepared for transfer to the recipient site, which can involve techniques such as meshing to increase the surface area of the graft, allowing it to better conform to the wound bed. The graft is then placed over the prepared wound and secured in position, typically using sutures, staples, or a fibrin sealant. This procedure is coded as CPT® Code 15100 for the first 100 square centimeters or less in adults, or for 1% of total body surface area in infants and children, with additional grafting procedures coded separately.