CPT® Code 15220

The procedure described by CPT® Code 15220 involves the harvesting of a full-thickness skin graft from a designated donor site, which can be located on the scalp, arms, or legs. A full-thickness graft is characterized by its inclusion of all layers of the skin, which encompasses the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat, along with associated blood vessels. This type of graft is essential for repairing significant skin defects, as it provides a robust and durable solution for areas requiring reconstruction. After the graft is harvested, the donor site is meticulously closed to promote healing and minimize scarring. The harvested graft is then positioned over the defect area, ensuring proper alignment and coverage. Following this, both the defect area and the graft are secured in place using sutures, which aids in the integration of the graft into the surrounding tissue. Code 15220 specifically reports the procedure of applying a graft to repair a defect that does not exceed 20 square centimeters in size. For cases where additional grafting is necessary, such as when the total area exceeds 20 square centimeters, code 15221 should be utilized in conjunction with code 15220 to account for each additional 20 square centimeters treated on the scalp, arms, or legs.