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Official Description

Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, eyelids, nose, ears and/or lips; defect 10 sq cm or less

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing defects located on the eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips. These defects may arise from various causes, including traumatic injuries such as wounds or lacerations, or they may result from surgical interventions that create defects through the excision of lesions or scars. The procedure involves a careful evaluation of the primary defect to determine the most suitable method of tissue transfer or rearrangement. Techniques employed in this procedure can include Z-plasty, W-plasty, V-Y-plasty, rotation flaps, advancement flaps, or double pedicle flaps. During the operation, adjacent skin and subcutaneous tissue are incised and elevated while ensuring that one or more borders of the tissue remain attached, which results in the formation of a secondary defect. To facilitate the movement of the skin flaps, the surrounding tissue is undermined. The elevated tissue is then repositioned to effectively cover the primary defect. In some cases, the rearrangement may also address the secondary defect, or alternatively, the secondary defect may be closed using a separately reportable skin graft. It is essential to measure both the primary and secondary defects to ascertain their sizes accurately. For coding purposes, CPT® Code 14060 is utilized for defects measuring 10 square centimeters or less, while CPT® Code 14061 is designated for defects that exceed 10.1 square centimeters up to 30 square centimeters.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the treatment of defects located on the eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips. These defects may be due to:

  • Traumatic Wounds - Injuries resulting from accidents or external forces that cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
  • Lacerations - Cuts or tears in the skin that may require surgical intervention for proper healing.
  • Surgically Created Defects - Defects that arise from the excision of lesions or scars during surgical procedures.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the defect. Each step is designed to facilitate the transfer or rearrangement of adjacent tissue to cover the primary defect.

  • Step 1: Evaluation of the Primary Defect - The surgeon begins by assessing the primary defect to determine the most appropriate method of tissue transfer or rearrangement. This evaluation is crucial for selecting the technique that will best restore the area.
  • Step 2: Excision of Lesion or Scar - If a lesion or scar is present, it is excised to create a clean primary defect that can be addressed through tissue transfer.
  • Step 3: Incision and Elevation of Tissue - Adjacent skin and subcutaneous tissue are incised and elevated, ensuring that one or more borders of the tissue remain attached. This step is essential for creating a secondary defect that will allow for the movement of the tissue.
  • Step 4: Undermining Surrounding Tissue - The surrounding tissue is undermined to provide adequate mobilization of the skin flaps. This technique enhances the flexibility of the tissue, making it easier to reposition.
  • Step 5: Transfer or Rearrangement of Tissue - The elevated tissue is then transferred or rearranged to cover the primary defect. The configuration of the transfer may also address the secondary defect, depending on the surgical plan.
  • Step 6: Closure of Secondary Defect - If the secondary defect is not covered by the rearranged tissue, it may be closed using a separately reportable skin graft, ensuring that all defects are adequately addressed.
  • Step 7: Measurement of Defects - Finally, both the primary and secondary defects are measured to determine their sizes, which is necessary for accurate coding and billing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, ensuring proper healing, and managing any discomfort. Patients may be advised on wound care techniques to maintain cleanliness and promote healing. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess the healing process and to address any complications that may arise. The surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding activity restrictions and signs to watch for that may indicate complications.

Short Descr TIS TRNFR E/N/E/L 10 SQ CM/<
Medium Descr ADJT TIS TRNSFR/REARRGMT E/N/E/L DFCT 10 SQ CM/<
Long Descr Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, eyelids, nose, ears and/or lips; defect 10 sq cm or less
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
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 Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 172 - Skin graft

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

20701 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of drug-delivery device(s), deep (eg, subfascial) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.)
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
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.
E4 Lower right, eyelid
E1 Upper left, eyelid
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GJ "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PA Surgical or other invasive procedure on wrong body part
PT Colorectal cancer screening test; converted to diagnostic test or other procedure
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
SQ Item ordered by home health
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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