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Official Description

Removal of sutures under anesthesia (other than local), same surgeon

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 15850 involves the removal of sutures that were previously placed during a surgical procedure or as a result of a traumatic injury. This removal is performed under anesthesia that is not local, which typically includes regional or general anesthesia. The use of such anesthesia is generally reserved for specific patient populations, such as young children or individuals who may not be able to comprehend or cooperate during the suture removal process. In these cases, an anesthesiologist administers the appropriate anesthetic to ensure the patient's comfort and safety. Following the administration of anesthesia, the surgeon who originally placed the sutures proceeds to remove them. It is important to note that this code is applicable only when the same surgeon who performed the initial procedure is the one conducting the suture removal. If a different surgeon is responsible for the removal, CPT® Code 15851 should be utilized instead.

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