CPT® Code 15200

A full-thickness free skin graft is a surgical procedure in which a section of skin that includes all layers—epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue—is removed from one area of the body (the donor site) and transplanted to another area (the recipient site) to close a wound or skin defect. This type of graft is particularly useful for larger defects, as it provides a robust and durable coverage that promotes healing and minimizes complications. The trunk, which refers to the central part of the body excluding the head and limbs, is a common site for such grafts due to its relatively large surface area and the potential for significant skin defects. During the procedure, careful consideration is given to the characteristics of both the donor and recipient sites to ensure compatibility in terms of skin thickness, texture, pigmentation, and hair presence. The donor site is meticulously outlined, often slightly enlarged to accommodate for skin contracture that may occur post-harvest. Local anesthesia, often combined with epinephrine to reduce bleeding, is administered to the patient before the graft is harvested. The graft is then carefully excised using a scalpel, and the underlying fat is separated to ensure a clean graft. After the graft is placed on the defect, it is secured with sutures, and a layered dressing is applied to protect the area and promote healing. The procedure is coded as CPT® Code 15200 when the graft area is 20 square centimeters or less, with additional codes available for larger grafts.