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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 creating a smoother surface. The procedure is particularly effective in addressing various skin imperfections, including wrinkles, small scars, and the removal of foreign bodies such as tattoos. The CPT® Code 15781 specifically refers to segmental dermabrasion of the face, distinguishing it from other types of dermabrasion that may involve the total face or other body regions. For instance, CPT® Code 15780 is designated for dermabrasion of the entire face, while CPT® Code 15782 pertains to regional dermabrasion on areas other than the face. Additionally, CPT® Code 15783 is used for superficial dermabrasion, which is often employed for tattoo removal on any site. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate coding and billing in medical practices that perform these procedures.
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Dermabrasion, particularly segmental dermabrasion of the face as indicated by CPT® Code 15781, is performed for various cosmetic reasons. The following conditions or symptoms may warrant this procedure:
The procedure of segmental dermabrasion involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment while minimizing risks. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
Following segmental dermabrasion, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary based on the extent of the procedure and individual healing responses. Common post-procedure care includes keeping the treated area clean and moisturized, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from strenuous activities that could irritate the skin. Patients may experience redness, swelling, and peeling as the skin heals, which is a normal part of the recovery process. It is essential for patients to follow the provided aftercare instructions closely to ensure optimal healing and results.
| Short Descr | DERMABRASION SEGMENTAL FACE | Medium Descr | DERMABRASION SEGMENTAL FACE | Long Descr | Dermabrasion; segmental, face | 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | 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 |
| 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. | 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.) | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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