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Official Description

Implantation of biologic implant (eg, acellular dermal matrix) for soft tissue reinforcement (ie, breast, trunk) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 15777 refers to the implantation of a biologic implant, specifically an acellular dermal matrix, which is utilized for soft tissue reinforcement in areas such as the breast or trunk. This procedure is performed in conjunction with a primary surgical procedure that is separately reportable, meaning that the implantation of the biologic implant is an additional service that complements the main surgical intervention. The acellular dermal matrix can be derived from human tissue, such as AlloDerm™ or Derma Matrix™, or from porcine dermis, like Strattice™. The human-derived acellular dermal matrix is a chemically treated skin graft obtained from cadaver donors, where the antigenic epidermal cellular components have been removed to minimize the risk of immune rejection. This process enhances the graft's compatibility with the recipient's body. Initially developed for treating burn victims, the use of acellular dermal matrix has expanded to include various reconstructive, dental, oral, plastic, and cosmetic procedures. The porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix undergoes a similar treatment process to eliminate cells and genetic material, further reducing the likelihood of rejection. During the procedure, the implant sheets are rehydrated and trimmed to fit the wound bed, then layered and secured with absorbable sutures, ensuring a stable and effective reinforcement of the soft tissue. This meticulous approach allows for optimal healing and integration of the implant within the surrounding tissue.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The implantation of a biologic implant, such as acellular dermal matrix, is indicated for the reinforcement of soft tissue in specific surgical contexts. The following conditions or scenarios may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Soft Tissue Deficiency: Situations where there is a lack of adequate soft tissue coverage, particularly in reconstructive surgeries of the breast or trunk.
  • Reconstruction Procedures: Used in conjunction with primary surgical procedures aimed at reconstructing areas affected by trauma, congenital defects, or surgical excisions.
  • Cosmetic Enhancements: Employed in aesthetic surgeries where additional support and reinforcement of soft tissue are required for optimal results.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the implantation of a biologic implant involves several critical steps to ensure proper application and integration of the acellular dermal matrix:

  • Step 1: Preparation of the Wound Bed - The surgical site is meticulously prepared to ensure a clean and suitable environment for the implant. This may involve debridement of any necrotic tissue and ensuring hemostasis.
  • Step 2: Selection and Preparation of the Implant - The acellular dermal matrix is selected based on the specific needs of the procedure. For human-derived implants, the sheets are removed from their packaging, rehydrated in an isotonic sodium chloride solution, and trimmed to the appropriate dimensions to fit the wound bed.
  • Step 3: Application of the Implant - The prepared acellular dermal matrix is applied over the wound bed in multiple layers. Each layer is carefully positioned to ensure adequate coverage and support for the underlying tissue.
  • Step 4: Securing the Implant - The layers of the acellular dermal matrix are secured in place using absorbable sutures, which will dissolve over time, allowing for natural healing without the need for suture removal.
  • Step 5: Trimming Excess Material - Any excess material at the periphery of the wound is trimmed to ensure a neat and clean appearance, facilitating optimal healing.
  • Step 6: Completion of the Primary Procedure - Once the acellular dermal matrix is securely in place, the separately reportable repair or reconstruction procedure is completed, ensuring that the overall surgical goals are achieved.

3. Post-Procedure

After the implantation of the biologic implant, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of infection or complications at the surgical site. Instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments are provided to ensure proper healing. The expected recovery period may vary depending on the extent of the primary procedure performed alongside the implant. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities that could stress the surgical site during the initial healing phase. Regular follow-up visits are crucial to assess the integration of the acellular dermal matrix and the overall healing process.

Short Descr ACELLULAR DERM MATRIX IMPLT
Medium Descr IMPLNT BIO IMPLNT FOR SOFT TISSUE REINFORCEMENT
Long Descr Implantation of biologic implant (eg, acellular dermal matrix) for soft tissue reinforcement (ie, breast, trunk) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active 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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast
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).
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
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).
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).
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.
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.)
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
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
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
E2 Lower left, eyelid
F6 Right hand, second digit
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GJ "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
L1 Provider attestation that the hospital laboratory test(s) is not packaged under the hospital opps
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
TA Left foot, great toe
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
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2017-01-01 Changed Guideline Changed.
2014-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2012-01-01 Added Added
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