Split Thickness Skin Graft

Question:

Please resolve an internal debate we’re having in our office. Are the STSG codes chosen based on the recipient or the donor site?

Answer:

Good Question:, and this is always confusing. CPT says: “Select the appropriate code from 15040-15261 based upon type of autograft and location and size of the defect. The measurements apply to the size of the recipient area.” So you’ll choose the code based on the recipient/defect site and the area (in square centimeters) is of that same site. The two STSG graft codes are 15100 (recipient/defect site is trunk, arms or legs) and 15120 (recipient/defect site is face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/03/15.