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Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the controlled abrasion of the upper layers of the skin. This technique is primarily utilized to enhance the appearance of the skin by smoothing out its texture and addressing various skin imperfections. The procedure is particularly effective for treating conditions such as acne scarring, fine wrinkling, rhytids (which are the technical term for wrinkles), and general keratosis, which refers to thickened areas of skin. By removing the outermost layers of skin, dermabrasion promotes the growth of new, healthier skin underneath, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The specific code for this comprehensive procedure, which targets the total face, is CPT® Code 15780. It is important to note that there are additional codes for dermabrasion procedures that focus on specific segments of the face or other body areas, as well as for superficial dermabrasion techniques, such as those used for tattoo removal.
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Dermabrasion is indicated for a variety of skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:
The dermabrasion procedure involves several key steps that are crucial for achieving optimal results. The following outlines the procedural steps as described:
Post-procedure care is critical for ensuring proper healing and achieving the desired cosmetic results. Patients can expect some redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area following dermabrasion. It is important to follow the clinician's aftercare instructions, which may include keeping the area clean, applying prescribed ointments, and avoiding sun exposure. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which the skin will gradually heal and improve in appearance. Patients should be advised to monitor for any signs of infection or unusual changes in the treated area and to follow up with their healthcare provider as needed.
| Short Descr | DERMABRASION TOTAL FACE | Medium Descr | DERMABRASION TOTAL FACE | Long Descr | Dermabrasion; total face (eg, for acne scarring, fine wrinkling, rhytids, general keratosis) | 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) | 0 - 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 | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6A - Minor procedures - skin | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast |
| 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.) | 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). | 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. | 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. |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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