© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Fractional ablative laser fenestration is a specialized medical procedure designed to improve the functional outcomes of patients with 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 involves the use of a laser to create microscopic full-thickness wounds in the scar tissue, effectively removing damaged epithelial layers and reducing excessive collagen fibers that contribute to the scar's rigidity. As the body heals, thinner collagen bundles and granulation tissue form in the treated areas, 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's needs, 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 specific wavelength of the laser is absorbed by the fluid present in the tissue, leading to vaporization and leaving a thin rim of coagulation around the treated areas. This procedure is reported using CPT® Code 0479T for the first 100 cm2 or part thereof, or 1% of body surface area of infants and children, while CPT® Code 0480T is used to report each additional 100 cm2 or 1% of body surface area of infants and children, or part thereof.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
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 of fractional ablative laser fenestration involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of scars:
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, which may include keeping the area clean, applying prescribed topical treatments, and avoiding sun exposure. The expected recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the treatment and individual healing responses. Patients should be monitored for any signs of infection or complications, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing progress and the effectiveness of the treatment.
| Short Descr | FXJL ABL LSR EA ADDL 100SQCM | Medium Descr | FRACTIONAL ABL LSR FENESTRATION EA ADDL 100 SQCM | Long Descr | 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) | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 40 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 0479T | Newborn Pediatric 0-17 MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC T ASC G2 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 |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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. | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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. |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2018-01-01 | Added | Code Added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.