CPT® Code 15101

Add-On Code

Split-thickness autograft, trunk, arms, legs; each additional 100 sq cm, or each additional 1% of body area of infants and children, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

A split-thickness autograft is a surgical procedure that involves the harvesting of skin from a donor site on the body to cover a defect or wound on the trunk, arms, or legs. This type of graft includes the entire epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, and a portion of the dermis, the underlying layer that provides structure and support. The harvesting process typically utilizes a specialized instrument known as a dermatome, which allows for precise removal of the skin at a controlled depth. Common donor sites for split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) include areas such as the thigh, buttocks, abdominal wall, or scalp, where sufficient skin can be obtained without compromising the donor site. During the procedure, the donor site is first treated with a local anesthetic, often combined with epinephrine to minimize bleeding during the grafting process. The dermatome is then maneuvered over the skin in a continuous motion, applying downward pressure to ensure an even cut. Once the graft is harvested, it may be prepared for transfer to the recipient site, which can involve techniques such as meshing to increase the graft's surface area and facilitate better adherence to the wound bed. The graft is then placed over the prepared wound site and secured in position, typically using sutures, which may include four corner sutures along with a running suture around the edges. In some cases, alternative methods such as staples or fibrin sealants may be employed to secure the graft. It is important to note that CPT® Code 15101 is used to report each additional 100 square centimeters of grafting performed on adults or each additional 1% of total body surface area (TBSA) for infants and children, following the initial coverage reported with CPT® Code 15100.