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The procedure described by CPT® Code 15837 involves the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the forearm or hand, which may include a lipectomy. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or have conditions that result in an overabundance of skin and fat in these areas. The removal of this excess tissue is crucial as it can lead to various skin-related issues, such as rashes, infections, or discomfort, and may also hinder normal movement and function of the affected limbs. The procedure aims to enhance both the aesthetic appearance and functional capabilities of the forearm or hand by eliminating the redundant tissue. The surgical technique involves making incisions to access the underlying layers, allowing for the careful removal of the excess skin and fat, thereby promoting a smoother contour and improved mobility in the area treated.
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The excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the forearm or hand, as described by CPT® Code 15837, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for excising excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the forearm or hand involves several key steps:
After the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue, patients can expect a recovery period during which they may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. It is essential to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include keeping the incision site clean and dry, monitoring for signs of infection, and attending follow-up appointments to assess healing. The drain, if placed, will typically be removed after a specified period, depending on the amount of fluid accumulation. Patients are advised to limit physical activity involving the forearm or hand during the initial recovery phase to promote optimal healing and prevent complications.
| Short Descr | EXC EXCSV SKIN FOREARM/HAND | Medium Descr | EXC EXCESSIVE SKIN &SUBQ TISSUE FOREARM/HAND | Long Descr | Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (includes lipectomy); forearm or hand | 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 | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 2 | 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. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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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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