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Official Description

Dermabrasion; regional, other than face

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that involves the controlled abrasion of the upper layers of the skin. This technique is primarily utilized to enhance the texture and appearance of the skin by smoothing out irregularities such as wrinkles, small scars, and foreign bodies, including tattoos. The procedure is performed using specialized instruments that exfoliate the skin, allowing for the removal of damaged skin layers. The specific code CPT® 15782 refers to dermabrasion performed on regional areas of the body other than the face. This is distinct from other codes in the dermabrasion category, such as CPT® 15780, which is designated for total facial dermabrasion, and CPT® 15781, which is for dermabrasion of a segment of the face. Additionally, CPT® 15783 is used for superficial dermabrasion procedures, such as those performed for tattoo removal, on any site. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate coding and billing in dermatological and cosmetic practices.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Dermabrasion is indicated for various skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Wrinkles Dermabrasion is often performed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing a smoother skin surface.
  • Small Scars The procedure can effectively minimize the visibility of small scars, including those resulting from acne or injury.
  • Tattoo Removal Dermabrasion is utilized for the removal of tattoos, as it can effectively abrade the skin layers where the ink is embedded.

2. Procedure

The dermabrasion procedure involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps for CPT® 15782:

  • Preparation Prior to the procedure, the treatment area is thoroughly cleansed to remove any oils, dirt, or makeup. The physician may apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Dermabrasion Technique Using a specialized dermabrasion device, the physician carefully abrades the upper layers of the skin in the targeted regional area. The depth and intensity of the abrasion are controlled to achieve the desired results while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Post-Procedure Care After the dermabrasion is completed, the treated area may be cleaned again, and a protective dressing may be applied. The physician will provide specific aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent infection.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery following dermabrasion. Patients can expect some redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few days. It is crucial to follow the physician's aftercare instructions, which may include keeping the area clean, applying prescribed ointments, and avoiding sun exposure to protect the healing skin. Patients should also be advised to refrain from picking at scabs or peeling skin to prevent scarring. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the results of the procedure.

Short Descr DERMABRASION OTHER THAN FACE
Medium Descr DERMABRASION REGIONAL OTHER THAN FACE
Long Descr Dermabrasion; regional, other than 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) 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
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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