CPT® Code 15018

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; each additional 480 sq cm or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 15018 refers to the application of a skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) to various wound and donor sites, specifically targeting areas such as the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and multiple digits. This procedure is particularly relevant for treating partial-thickness wounds, which are often seen in cases of thermal burns. The SCSA can be utilized independently, without the need for an additional split-thickness skin graft, making it a versatile option for wound management in sensitive and complex anatomical regions. The application process involves the use of a primary non-adherent dressing that is tailored to fit the wound bed, ensuring that it is partially secured at the lower border using adhesives, sutures, or staples. Following this, the prepared SCSA is evenly sprayed onto the wound bed and donor site, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The primary dressing is then fully affixed over the wound, extending to the edges and secured firmly. To enhance protection and absorb any exudate, a secondary absorbent dressing is layered over the primary dressing, followed by an additional layer of gauze and bandaging. This structured approach not only facilitates healing but also minimizes the risk of 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 that may arise from thermal burns, which are common in the specified regions.
Wounds located on sensitive areas such as the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and multiple digits.

2. Procedure

The procedure for applying a skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) involves several detailed steps to ensure effective treatment of the wound.

Preparation of the wound bed involves cleaning and assessing the wound to ensure it is suitable for the application of the SCSA. This step is crucial for promoting optimal healing conditions.
Application of the primary dressing is performed by contouring a non-adherent, small pore dressing to fit the wound bed. This dressing is cut to shape and is only partially secured at the lower border using glue, sutures, or staples, allowing for flexibility and movement.
Spraying the SCSA is the next step, where the previously prepared skin cell suspension is evenly applied over the wound bed and donor site. This ensures that the graft material adequately covers the affected area.
Securing the primary dressing involves completely affixing the primary dressing over the entire wound bed, extending to the edges, and securing it with staples, glue, or sutures to maintain stability and protect the graft.
Application of secondary and tertiary dressings follows, where a secondary absorbent dressing is placed over the primary dressing, and a third layer of absorbent gauze and bandaging is applied for additional protection and to manage exudate.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the wound for signs of infection and ensuring that the dressings remain intact. Patients may be advised on how to care for the area, including keeping it clean and dry. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess healing and determine if further treatment is required. It is essential to provide instructions on when to seek medical attention if complications arise, such as increased pain, redness, or discharge from the wound site.

Short Descr	APP SKN CLL SSP F/N/G/HF EA
Medium Descr	APPL SKN CLL SSP AGRFT F/S/N/H/F/G/M/DGT EA ADDL
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; each additional 480 sq cm 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)	0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51)	0 - No 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	Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator	Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS)	2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	Not applicable/unspecified.