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The CPT® Code 15835 refers to the surgical procedure known as excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue, specifically targeting the buttock area. This procedure is often performed to address issues related to the presence of excessive skin and fat, which can occur due to significant weight loss or other factors. The removal of this excess tissue is crucial as it can alleviate various skin-related problems, such as rashes or infections, and improve mobility for the patient. The procedure typically involves making incisions in the skin to access the underlying tissue, allowing for the careful excision of the unwanted fat and skin. The technique may also include the use of a cannula to suction out fat that is located beneath the skin surface. After the removal of the excess tissue, the remaining skin is sutured back together, and a drain may be placed to facilitate healing. This code is part of a broader classification of procedures that address similar issues in different body areas, with specific codes designated for the thigh, leg, hip, arm, forearm or hand, submental fat pad, and other regions, ensuring accurate coding and billing for various surgical interventions.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the buttock, as described by CPT® Code 15835, is indicated for patients who present with the following conditions:
The procedure for excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the buttock involves several key steps:
After the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the buttock, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve some discomfort and swelling. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients are advised to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing progress and to remove any sutures if necessary. The duration of recovery can vary based on individual factors, but adherence to post-operative guidelines is crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes.
| Short Descr | EXC EXCESSIVE SKIN BUTTOCK | Medium Descr | EXCISION EXCESSIVE SKIN & SUBQ TISSUE BUTTOCK | Long Descr | Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (includes lipectomy); buttock | 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 | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | 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). | 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left 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. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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