A Follow-up Question on Scar Revision

Question:

I reviewed your updated coding coach on scar revision and have a follow-up question. What if the scar was revised with an adjacent tissue transfer (ATT)?

Answer:

Thank you for your follow-up question!

Providing the requirements for reporting an adjacent tissue transfer (ATT) have been met and the adjacent tissue transfer is documented appropriately the ATT can be reported.

The CPT guidelines for adjacent tissue say that the term defect includes primary and secondary defects; the primary defect results from the excision, and the secondary defect results from the flap design.

The primary and secondary defects should each be documented separately in centimeters (cm); both measurements are added together to arrive at the total sq cm, allowing for appropriate code.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 2/27/25.