CPT® Code 15340

Deleted

A tissue cultured allogeneic skin substitute is a specialized medical product used to cover wounds or skin defects. This substitute is designed to promote healing by providing a temporary biological covering. It consists of two distinct layers: the upper layer is made up of living human skin cells, specifically keratinocytes, which are responsible for forming the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. The lower layer is composed of human dermal fibroblasts, which are cultured from the same donor as the upper layer, and these fibroblasts are combined with structural proteins, such as collagen, sourced from animals, typically bovine. This dual-layer structure mimics the natural skin architecture, facilitating better integration and healing at the wound site. Before application, the size of the wound is carefully measured to determine the appropriate amount of the skin substitute needed. The skin substitute undergoes a process called fenestration, where a series of small holes or openings are created in it. This fenestration allows for better drainage and integration with the underlying tissue. Once prepared, the fenestrated skin substitute is applied to the cleaned and prepared wound bed and is secured in place using sutures. To protect the area and support healing, a layered dressing is then applied, which includes a nonadherent layer to prevent sticking, a bulky layer of gauze for cushioning, a compression layer to minimize swelling, and an anti-shear layer to reduce friction. For coding purposes, the CPT® code 15340 is used for the first 25 square centimeters or less of the tissue cultured allogeneic skin substitute, while 15341 is designated for each additional 25 square centimeters or part thereof.