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The procedure described by CPT® Code 15876 is known as suction assisted lipectomy, specifically targeting the head and neck regions. Commonly referred to as liposuction, this surgical technique is designed to remove excess fat deposits that may be present in these areas. During the procedure, the physician makes small incisions in the skin over the targeted fat deposits. A suction curettage cannula is then inserted through these incisions. The physician carefully maneuvers the cannula in a systematic manner, typically in rows, to effectively evacuate the unwanted fat cells from the body. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions are closed using a simple closure technique, ensuring minimal scarring and promoting healing. This procedure is part of a broader category of liposuction techniques, with specific codes assigned for different body regions, including the trunk, upper extremity, and lower extremity, which are represented by CPT® Codes 15877, 15878, and 15879, respectively.
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The suction assisted lipectomy procedure, as described by CPT® Code 15876, is indicated for patients who have localized areas of excessive fat deposits in the head and neck region. This procedure is typically performed to improve the contour and aesthetic appearance of these areas, which may be resistant to weight loss through diet and exercise. It is often sought by individuals looking to enhance their facial profile or reduce the appearance of a double chin, jowls, or other fat accumulations that can affect the overall facial aesthetics.
The suction assisted lipectomy procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective fat removal while minimizing complications. Initially, the physician marks the areas of excessive fat deposits on the patient's head and neck. Following this, the physician administers local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the physician makes small incisions in the skin over the marked areas. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. After the incisions are made, a suction curettage cannula is inserted through the openings. The physician then moves the cannula in a systematic manner, typically in rows, to break up and suction out the excess fat cells. This technique allows for precise fat removal while preserving surrounding tissues. After the desired amount of fat has been evacuated, the physician closes the incisions using a simple closure technique, which may involve sutures or adhesive strips, depending on the specific case. The entire procedure is performed in a controlled environment, often in an outpatient setting, allowing for a quicker recovery.
After the suction assisted lipectomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include instructions on managing swelling and bruising, which are common after the procedure. Patients are often advised to wear a compression garment to support the healing process and reduce swelling in the treated areas. It is important for patients to follow the physician's post-operative instructions regarding activity restrictions, wound care, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Most patients can expect a gradual recovery, with noticeable results becoming apparent as swelling subsides over the following weeks. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which patients should avoid strenuous activities and follow any prescribed pain management protocols.
| Short Descr | SUCTION LIPECTOMY HEAD&NECK | Medium Descr | SUCTION ASSISTED LIPECTOMY HEAD & NECK | Long Descr | Suction assisted lipectomy; head and neck | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | 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) | P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin | 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). | 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. | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 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 |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 1990-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1990. |
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