© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 15879 is known as suction assisted lipectomy, specifically targeting the lower extremity. Commonly referred to as liposuction, this surgical technique is designed to remove excess fat deposits from the lower limbs, which may include the thighs, calves, and other areas of the legs. During the procedure, the physician makes small incisions in the skin over the targeted areas where fat accumulation is present. A suction curettage cannula is then inserted through these incisions. The physician skillfully maneuvers the cannula in a systematic manner, typically in rows, to effectively evacuate the excess 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 designated for different body regions, including the head and neck (CPT® Code 15876), trunk (CPT® Code 15877), and upper extremity (CPT® Code 15878), in addition to the lower extremity addressed by Code 15879.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The suction assisted lipectomy procedure, as described by CPT® Code 15879, is indicated for patients who have localized areas of excessive fat deposits in the lower extremities. This may include individuals seeking to improve their body contour, enhance aesthetic appearance, or address concerns related to disproportionate fat distribution in the legs. The procedure is typically considered for patients who have not achieved desired results through diet and exercise alone and are looking for a surgical option to remove stubborn fat deposits.
The suction assisted lipectomy procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective fat removal from the lower extremities. Initially, the physician marks the areas on the skin where fat removal is desired, ensuring precise targeting during the procedure. Following this, the patient is positioned comfortably, and local anesthesia or sedation may be administered to minimize discomfort. The physician then makes small incisions in the skin over the marked areas, which are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. Once the incisions are made, a suction curettage cannula is inserted through these openings. The physician carefully maneuvers the cannula in a systematic pattern, typically in rows, to break up and suction out the excess fat cells. This technique allows for even fat removal and helps to contour the area effectively. After the desired amount of fat has been extracted, the physician closes the incisions using a simple closure method, which may involve sutures or adhesive strips, depending on the specific case. This step is crucial for promoting optimal healing and minimizing postoperative complications.
After the suction assisted lipectomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure stable recovery from anesthesia. Post-procedure care may include instructions on managing discomfort, such as the use of prescribed pain medications and recommendations for rest. Patients are often advised to wear compression garments to support the healing process and reduce swelling in the treated areas. It is important for patients to follow the physician's guidelines regarding activity levels, as light activity may be encouraged while avoiding strenuous exercise for a specified period. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns that may arise during recovery. Overall, the expected recovery time can vary based on individual factors, but most patients can anticipate a gradual return to normal activities within a few weeks.
| Short Descr | SUCTION LIPECTOMY LWR EXTREM | Medium Descr | SUCTION ASSISTED LIPECTOMY LOWER EXTREMITY | Long Descr | Suction assisted lipectomy; lower 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). | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 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 | E1 | Upper left, eyelid | 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 | 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 |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.