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Fractional ablative laser fenestration is a specialized medical procedure designed to improve the functional outcomes of patients suffering from burn and traumatic scars. These types of scars can lead to contractures, which are caused by adhesions and the binding of underlying tissue layers. This condition often results in reduced elasticity, limited range of motion, and various functional deficits that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. The procedure utilizes a fractional ablative laser to create microscopic full-thickness wounds in the scar tissue. This process effectively eliminates damaged epithelial cells and reduces excessive collagen fibers, which are often responsible for the rigidity and appearance of the scar. As the body heals, thinner collagen bundles and granulation tissue form within these wounds, allowing the epidermis to regenerate in a manner that remodels the scar, resulting in a smoother appearance and improved functionality. Prior to the procedure, the area to be treated is anesthetized using either a topical cream or a local injection to minimize discomfort. The laser settings are tailored to each patient, with the treatment depth adjusted according to the thickness of the scar. The application of the laser is performed in a non-overlapping stamping pattern, creating narrow columns that ensure effective treatment. The laser's wavelength is specifically absorbed by the fluid present in the tissue, leading to vaporization and leaving a thin rim of coagulation around the treated areas. The CPT® Code 0479T is used to report the fractional ablative laser fenestration for the first 100 cm2 or part thereof, or for 1% of the body surface area in infants and children, while the subsequent code 0480T is designated for each additional 100 cm2 or 1% of body surface area, or part thereof.
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Fractional ablative laser fenestration is indicated for the treatment of burn and traumatic scars that result in functional impairments. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for fractional ablative laser fenestration involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of the scar tissue. Each step is crucial for achieving optimal results:
After the fractional ablative laser fenestration procedure, patients may experience some swelling, redness, and discomfort in the treated area, which is a normal part of the healing process. It is important for patients to follow post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to ensure optimal recovery. This may include keeping the treated area clean, applying prescribed topical treatments, and avoiding sun exposure to prevent complications. Patients should also be monitored for any signs of infection or unusual reactions. The expected recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the treatment and individual healing responses, but most patients can anticipate gradual improvement in the appearance and functionality of the scar over time.
| Short Descr | FXJL ABL LSR 1ST 100 SQ CM | Medium Descr | FRACTIONAL ABL LSR FENESTRATION FIRST 100 SQCM | Long Descr | Fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement; first 100 cm2 or part thereof, or 1% of body surface area of infants and children | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0480T | Newborn Pediatric 0-17 Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 Fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement; each additional 100 cm2, or each additional 1% of body surface area of infants and children, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2018-01-01 | Added | Code Added. |
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