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The procedure described by CPT® Code 15878 is known as suction assisted lipectomy, specifically targeting the upper extremity. Commonly referred to as liposuction, this surgical technique is designed to remove excess fat deposits from the body. During the procedure, the physician makes small incisions in the skin over the areas where fat accumulation is present. 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 targeted regions. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions are closed using a simple closure technique. This procedure is part of a broader category of liposuction techniques, which also includes codes for liposuction of other body areas, such as the head and neck (CPT® Code 15876), trunk (CPT® Code 15877), and lower extremity (CPT® Code 15879).
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The suction assisted lipectomy procedure, as described by CPT® Code 15878, is indicated for patients who have localized areas of excessive fat deposits in the upper extremities. This procedure is typically performed to improve body contour and aesthetics, particularly when diet and exercise have not yielded satisfactory results. It may also be indicated for patients seeking to enhance their physical appearance or for those who have specific cosmetic goals related to the upper arms and shoulders.
The suction assisted lipectomy procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective fat removal from the upper extremities. Initially, the physician marks the areas on the skin where fat deposits are present, ensuring precise targeting during the procedure. Following this, the physician administers local anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the patient. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the physician makes small incisions in the skin over the marked areas. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring.
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 pain, swelling, and bruising, which are common after liposuction. Patients are often advised to wear compression garments to support the healing process and reduce swelling. Recovery time can vary, but many patients can return to normal activities within a few days, while more strenuous activities may need to be avoided for a longer period. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the results of the procedure.
| Short Descr | SUCTION LIPECTOMY UPR EXTREM | Medium Descr | SUCTION ASSISTED LIPECTOMY UPPER EXTREMITY | Long Descr | Suction assisted lipectomy; upper extremity | 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) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | 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 |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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. | 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.) | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 1990-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1990. |
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