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The CPT® Code 15788 refers to a chemical peel procedure specifically targeting the facial epidermis. In this context, a chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation, involves the application of a chemical agent, such as phenol or glycolic acid, to the skin. The primary objective of this procedure is to remove the outermost layer of skin, which is the epidermis, and in some cases, it may also affect the dermis. This technique is commonly employed to address cosmetic concerns, particularly the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles that may appear on the surface of the skin. By exfoliating the epidermis, the procedure promotes the regeneration of new skin cells, leading to a smoother and more youthful appearance. It is important to note that there are specific codes for different depths of chemical peels, including those for the facial dermis and non-facial areas, which are designated by CPT® Codes 15789, 15792, and 15793, respectively.
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The chemical peel procedure coded as CPT® 15788 is indicated for various cosmetic concerns related to the skin's appearance. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for a chemical peel of the facial epidermis involves several key steps that ensure the effective application of the chemical agent and the safety of the patient. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
After the chemical peel procedure coded as CPT® 15788, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary depending on the depth of the peel and individual skin sensitivity. Common post-procedure care includes avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen to protect the newly exposed skin. Patients may experience redness, swelling, and peeling as the skin begins to heal and regenerate. It is essential for patients to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the physician, which may include the use of gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the results of the procedure.
| Short Descr | CHEMICAL PEEL FACIAL EPIDRM | Medium Descr | CHEMICAL PEEL FACIAL EPIDERMAL | Long Descr | Chemical peel, facial; epidermal | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | 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 | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 174 - Other non-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.) | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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. | 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). | 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. | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | E4 | Lower right, eyelid | 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 | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
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