© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 15789 refers to a chemical peel specifically targeting the facial dermis. 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 layers of the epidermis and/or dermis, thereby facilitating the exfoliation of the skin. This technique is particularly effective in addressing cosmetic concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles that may be present in the epidermal or dermal layers of the skin. By utilizing this method, physicians aim to rejuvenate the skin's appearance, improve texture, and promote a more youthful look. It is important to note that there are specific codes for different types of chemical peels based on the targeted skin layer, including codes for the facial epidermis (CPT® Code 15788), non-facial epidermis (CPT® Code 15792), and non-facial dermis (CPT® Code 15793), which should be used accordingly to ensure accurate reporting and billing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The chemical peel procedure, as described by CPT® Code 15789, is indicated for various cosmetic concerns related to the skin's appearance and texture. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for a chemical peel targeting the facial dermis involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the chemical peel procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary depending on the depth of the peel performed. Common post-procedure care includes avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skincare products, and applying moisturizers to aid in the healing process. Patients may experience redness, peeling, or sensitivity in the treated area, which is a normal part of the healing process. It is essential for patients to adhere to the physician's post-procedure instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the skin's recovery and discuss any further treatments if necessary.
| Short Descr | CHEMICAL PEEL FACIAL DERMAL | Medium Descr | CHEMICAL PEEL FACIAL DERMAL | Long Descr | Chemical peel, facial; dermal | 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 | 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 OPPS relative payment weight. | 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 |
| 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. | 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. | 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). | 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.) | 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 | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.