CPT® Code 15116

Add-On Code

Epidermal autograft, face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits; 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)

Epidermal autografts are specialized skin grafts that consist solely of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. These grafts are typically harvested from donor sites such as the thigh, buttocks, abdominal wall, or scalp. The procedure involves the careful preparation of the donor site, where a local anesthetic combined with epinephrine is injected into the subcutaneous tissue to minimize discomfort and control bleeding during the harvesting process. A dermatome, which is a surgical instrument designed for cutting skin, is then utilized to obtain the graft. The oscillating blade of the dermatome is meticulously adjusted to the appropriate depth to ensure that only the epidermis, with minimal or no dermis, is collected. The dermatome is moved in a continuous motion across the skin surface of the donor site, applying downward pressure to effectively harvest the graft. Once harvested, the graft is prepared for transfer to the recipient site, which may involve the use of a meshing device to increase the surface area of the graft, facilitating better integration and healing. The graft is then placed over the wound bed of the recipient site and secured in position, typically using four corner sutures along with a running suture around the periphery. In some cases, alternative methods such as staples or fibrin sealant may be employed for securing the graft. It is important to note that CPT® Code 15115 is used for billing the first 100 square centimeters or less of grafting in adults or for 1% of total body surface area (TBSA) in infants and children, while CPT® Code 15116 is designated for each additional 100 square centimeters in adults or each additional 1% of TBSA in infants and children, or any part thereof.