CPT® Code 15171

Deleted

Acellular dermal replacement, 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)

An acellular dermal replacement is a specialized medical procedure utilized to address skin defects located on the trunk, arms, or legs. This procedure involves the application of a permanent skin replacement that is designed to facilitate healing and restore the integrity of the skin. The acellular dermal replacement consists of a two-layer membrane, which typically includes a dermal layer made from bovine collagen and a temporary epidermal substitute layer composed of silicone. The process begins with the preparation of the wound bed, followed by the careful handling of the acellular dermal replacement sheets. These sheets are removed from their packaging, rinsed in normal saline to ensure cleanliness, and then meshed to enhance their adaptability to the wound surface. Once prepared, the sheets are meticulously applied over the wound bed and secured in place using interrupted sutures or staples, ensuring that there is no overlap between the sheets. Any excess material at the edges of the wound is trimmed to fit the area precisely. Following the application of the acellular dermal replacement, a layered dressing is utilized to protect the site. This dressing typically includes an elastic net fixation layer, which is secured with staples, followed by an antimicrobial layer, such as silver nitrate, and additional layers of gauze, compression, and anti-shear materials. The use of CPT® Code 15170 is designated for the first 100 square centimeters or less in adults or for 1% of total body surface area (TBSA) in infants and children, while CPT® Code 15171 is used for each additional 100 square centimeters in adults or each additional 1% of TBSA in infants and children, or any part thereof.