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Official Description

Chemical peel, nonfacial; dermal

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 15793 refers to a chemical peel procedure that specifically targets the non-facial dermis. In this procedure, a physician applies a chemical agent, such as phenol or glycolic acid, to the skin. The primary goal of this chemical peel is to remove layers of the epidermis and/or dermis, which can help in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles that may be present in the skin. This process, also known as chemexfoliation, is beneficial for improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin. It is important to note that this code is distinct from other related codes that pertain to chemical peels of the facial epidermis and dermis, as well as non-facial epidermis. Each code corresponds to specific areas of treatment, ensuring accurate reporting and billing for the procedure performed.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The chemical peel procedure coded as CPT® 15793 is indicated for various skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Fine Lines The procedure is utilized to reduce the appearance of fine lines that may develop on the skin.
  • Wrinkles It is effective in addressing wrinkles that can form in the dermis, contributing to an aged appearance.
  • Skin Texture Improvement The chemical peel aims to enhance the overall texture of the skin, making it smoother and more even.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a chemical peel coded as CPT® 15793 involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment. Each step is crucial for achieving the desired results while maintaining patient safety.

  • Step 1: Preparation The physician begins by preparing the treatment area, which may involve cleansing the skin to remove any oils, dirt, or makeup. This step is essential to ensure that the chemical agent can penetrate the skin effectively.
  • Step 2: Application of Chemical Agent Once the skin is prepared, the physician applies a chemical agent, such as phenol or glycolic acid, to the targeted area. The application is done carefully to cover the skin evenly, allowing the chemical to work on the epidermis and dermis.
  • Step 3: Monitoring During the application, the physician monitors the skin's reaction to the chemical agent. This monitoring is important to assess the effectiveness of the peel and to ensure that the patient does not experience adverse reactions.
  • Step 4: Neutralization and Removal After the appropriate amount of time has passed, the chemical agent is neutralized and removed from the skin. This step is critical to halt the chemical action and prevent any potential damage to the skin.
  • Step 5: Post-Procedure Care Finally, the physician provides post-procedure care instructions to the patient, which may include recommendations for skin care products and activities to avoid during the recovery period.

3. Post-Procedure

After the chemical peel procedure coded as CPT® 15793, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and recovery considerations. It is essential for patients to follow the physician's instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. Common post-procedure care may include avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skin care products, and applying moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. Patients should also be advised to refrain from picking at the skin as it heals, as this can lead to complications or scarring. The recovery time may vary depending on the depth of the peel and individual skin types, but patients should be informed about the expected timeline for skin healing and any signs of complications that may require medical attention.

Short Descr CHEMICAL PEEL NONFACIAL DRM
Medium Descr CHEMICAL PEEL NONFACIAL DERMAL
Long Descr Chemical peel, nonfacial; dermal
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 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
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).
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.
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.
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.)
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
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
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.
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