CPT® Code 15321

Deleted

Allograft skin for temporary wound closure, 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)

A skin allograft is a medical procedure involving the application of donor skin to a patient's wound for temporary closure. This procedure is particularly relevant for areas of the body such as the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and multiple digits. The primary purpose of a temporary skin allograft is to provide coverage for extensive wounds, especially in cases of severe burns where the patient's own skin (autogenous skin) is insufficient for adequate wound coverage. These allografts serve a dual function: they not only cover the wound but also act as a dressing that absorbs exudate and prevents the wound from drying out, thereby promoting a more favorable healing environment. The allografts used are typically split-thickness skin grafts that are harvested from cadaver donors and preserved through cryopreservation until they are required for use. During the procedure, the allograft is thawed and meticulously prepared for grafting. It is then applied to the cleaned and prepared wound bed, where it is secured in place using absorbable sutures. Following the application of the allograft, a comprehensive layered dressing is placed over the graft, which includes a nonadherent layer to protect the graft, a bulky layer of gauze for cushioning, a compression layer to minimize swelling, and an anti-shear layer to prevent friction. For billing purposes, the CPT® code 15320 is utilized 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 15321 is designated for each additional 100 square centimeters in adults or each additional 1% of TBSA in infants and children, or part thereof.