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A skin allograft is a medical procedure involving the application of donor skin to a patient's wound for temporary closure. This procedure is particularly relevant for patients suffering from extensive burns, where the availability of the patient's own skin (autogenous skin) is insufficient to cover the affected areas. The allograft serves multiple purposes: it provides a protective covering over the wound, absorbs exudate, and prevents the wound from drying out, which is crucial for the healing process. The skin used for the allograft is typically split-thickness skin harvested from a deceased donor, ensuring that it is safe and effective for use. Prior to application, the allograft is cryopreserved and must be thawed and prepared appropriately. Once the wound bed is ready, the allograft is secured in place using absorbable sutures. Following this, a comprehensive dressing is applied, which consists of several layers: a nonadherent layer to prevent sticking to the wound, a bulky gauze layer for cushioning, a compression layer to minimize swelling, and an anti-shear layer to protect against friction. This procedure is coded as CPT® Code 15300 for the first 100 square centimeters or less in adults, or for 1% of total body surface area (TBSA) in infants and children, with additional coverage being billed under CPT® Code 15301 for each subsequent 100 square centimeters or 1% of TBSA.
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The application of an allograft skin for temporary wound closure is indicated in specific clinical scenarios, particularly in patients with extensive burns or significant skin loss. The following conditions warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for applying an allograft skin for temporary wound closure involves several critical steps to ensure proper application and effectiveness:
Post-procedure care is essential for the success of the allograft application. Patients are monitored for signs of infection, graft adherence, and overall healing. The dressing should be kept intact and changed as per the healthcare provider's instructions to maintain a sterile environment. Patients may also require pain management and follow-up appointments to assess the healing process and determine if further interventions are necessary. It is important to educate patients on signs of complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage, which should prompt immediate medical attention.
| Short Descr | APPLY SKINALLOGRFT T/ARM/LG | Medium Descr | ALGRFT TEMPORARY CLOSURE T/A/L 1ST 100 CM/ | Long Descr | Allograft skin for temporary wound closure, trunk, arms, legs; first 100 sq cm or less, or 1% of body area of infants and children | 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 | Discontinued Code | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 172 - Skin graft |
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