CPT® Code 15017

Official Description

Application of skin cell suspension autograft to wound and donor sites, including application of primary dressing, face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits; first 480 sq cm or less

Common Language Description

Skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) is a specialized procedure used to treat partial thickness wounds located on sensitive areas of the body, including the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and multiple digits. This technique is particularly beneficial for wounds resulting from thermal burns, which often do not penetrate deeply into the skin layers. The SCSA can be applied directly to the wound without the need for an additional split thickness skin graft, making it a less invasive option for wound management. The procedure involves the careful application of a primary dressing that is designed to be non-adherent and features small pores to facilitate healing. This dressing is meticulously contoured to fit the wound bed and is secured at the lower border using adhesives, sutures, or staples to ensure it remains in place. The SCSA is then evenly sprayed over the prepared wound bed and donor site, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Following this, the primary dressing is fully affixed over the wound, extending to the edges and secured with additional staples, glue, or sutures. To enhance protection and absorb any exudate, a secondary absorbent dressing is layered over the primary dressing, followed by a third layer of absorbent gauze and bandaging. This structured approach not only promotes healing but also minimizes the risk of infection and complications associated with wound care.

1. Indications

The application of skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) is indicated for the treatment of partial thickness wounds in specific anatomical areas. These indications include:

Partial Thickness Wounds These wounds are characterized by damage that extends through the epidermis and into the dermis but does not penetrate the full thickness of the skin.
Thermal Burns SCSA is particularly effective for wounds resulting from thermal injuries, which can cause partial thickness damage to the skin.
Locations The procedure is indicated for wounds located on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and multiple digits.

2. Procedure

The procedure for applying skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the wound. These steps include:

Preparation of the Wound Bed The wound bed must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure optimal conditions for the application of the SCSA. This may involve debridement of any necrotic tissue and ensuring that the area is free from contaminants.
Preparation of the Skin Cell Suspension Autograft The SCSA is prepared in advance, ensuring that it is ready for application. This involves creating a suspension of skin cells that will be used to promote healing in the wound area.
Application of the Primary Dressing A primary non-adherent dressing is cut to fit the wound bed and is partially secured at the lower border using glue, sutures, or staples. This dressing is designed to contour to the wound and allow for proper healing.
Application of the SCSA The prepared SCSA is then evenly sprayed over the wound bed and donor site. This step is crucial as it ensures that the skin cell suspension is adequately distributed to promote healing.
Securing the Dressing After the SCSA is applied, the primary dressing is completely affixed over the wound bed, extending to the edges. It is secured with additional staples, glue, or sutures to ensure it remains in place.
Application of Secondary and Tertiary Dressings A secondary absorbent dressing is placed over the primary dressing, followed by a third layer of absorbent gauze and bandaging. This layered approach provides additional protection and absorbs any exudate from the wound.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the application of skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) is essential for optimal healing and recovery. Patients should be monitored for any signs of infection or complications at the wound site. The dressings should remain intact and dry, and any changes to the dressings should be performed according to the healthcare provider's instructions. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the healing process and to determine if additional treatments are required. Patients should also be advised on signs of complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, and instructed to contact their healthcare provider if these occur.

Short Descr	APP SKN CLL SSP F/N/G/HF 1ST
Medium Descr	APPL SKN CLL SSP AGRFT F/S/N/H/F/G/M/DGT 1ST 480
Long Descr	Application of skin cell suspension autograft to wound and donor sites, including application of primary dressing, face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits; first 480 sq cm or less
Status Code	Carriers Price the 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	Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS)	2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	Not applicable/unspecified.