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Official Description

Abrasion; each additional 4 lesions or less (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 15787 refers to the procedure of abrasion, specifically for each additional four lesions or less that are treated during a single session. Abrasion is a dermatological technique used to smooth down or enhance the appearance of various skin lesions, which may include thickened areas of skin or scars. This procedure is performed by a physician who utilizes different abrasion techniques to remove the outer layers of skin, thereby improving the texture and appearance of the affected area. It is important to note that this code is used in conjunction with the primary procedure code, which is CPT® Code 15786, designated for the abrasion of a single lesion. When multiple lesions are treated, CPT® Code 15787 is listed separately to account for the additional lesions being addressed, ensuring accurate billing and documentation of the services provided.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 15787 is indicated for the treatment of various skin lesions that require smoothing or improvement in appearance. These lesions may include:

  • Thickened Skin Areas Lesions that present as areas of skin that have become abnormally thickened, often due to conditions such as keratosis or other dermatological issues.
  • Scars Scarring from previous injuries, surgeries, or acne that may benefit from abrasion techniques to enhance their appearance and texture.
  • Other Lesions Any additional skin lesions that may require similar treatment to improve their cosmetic appearance.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 15787 involves several key steps that are performed by the physician to ensure effective treatment of the additional lesions. These steps include:

  • Assessment of Lesions The physician begins by thoroughly assessing the skin lesions to determine their characteristics, size, and the appropriate abrasion technique to be used. This assessment is crucial for planning the treatment and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
  • Preparation of the Treatment Area The area surrounding the lesions is cleaned and prepared to minimize the risk of infection and ensure optimal conditions for the abrasion process. This may involve the application of antiseptic solutions.
  • Application of Abrasion Technique The physician then applies the chosen abrasion technique to each of the additional lesions. This may involve mechanical methods, such as dermabrasion or chemical peels, depending on the specific needs of the lesions being treated.
  • Post-Procedure Care After the abrasion is completed, the physician provides instructions for post-procedure care, which may include recommendations for wound care, the use of topical treatments, and guidance on activities to avoid during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure associated with CPT® Code 15787, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and recovery considerations. It is essential for patients to follow the physician's instructions to promote healing and minimize complications. Common post-procedure care may include keeping the treated area clean and protected, applying prescribed topical ointments to aid in healing, and avoiding sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes. Patients should also be advised to monitor the treated areas for any signs of infection or unusual changes and to follow up with their physician as needed for further evaluation or additional treatments.

Short Descr ABRASION LESIONS ADD-ON
Medium Descr ABRASION EACH ADDITIONAL 4 LESIONS OR LESS
Long Descr Abrasion; each additional 4 lesions or less (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) 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 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) P6A - Minor procedures - skin
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

15786 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 ASC N1 PUB 100 Abrasion; single lesion (eg, keratosis, scar)
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.
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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