Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Excision, ischial pressure ulcer, with primary suture; with ostectomy (ischiectomy)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 15941 involves the excision of a pressure ulcer located in the ischial region, which is commonly referred to as a bedsore. This type of ulcer typically occurs in patients who are immobile for extended periods, leading to skin breakdown and tissue damage. The ischial area is part of the pelvis, specifically the ventral and posterior aspects, which bear weight when a person is seated. During the procedure, the patient is positioned face down to allow access to the affected area. The physician makes an elliptical incision over the ischial tuberosity, which is the bony prominence of the ischium, to effectively remove the ulcer and any surrounding infected tissue. Following the excision, the wound is thoroughly irrigated to cleanse it of any debris or bacteria. The closure of the wound is performed using primary sutures, ensuring that the skin is properly aligned for optimal healing. It is important to note that if any bone beneath the ulcer is removed during the procedure, this code should be utilized to accurately reflect the extent of the surgical intervention.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 15941 is indicated for patients presenting with an ischial pressure ulcer, which may be characterized by the following conditions:

  • Pressure Ulcer: A localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, typically over a bony prominence, resulting from prolonged pressure, often seen in immobile patients.
  • Infection: The presence of infected tissue surrounding the ulcer, necessitating surgical intervention to remove necrotic or infected material.
  • Non-Healing Ulcer: Ulcers that have not responded to conservative treatment measures, such as wound care and pressure relief, may require excision for proper healing.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 15941 involves several critical steps to ensure effective excision and closure of the pressure ulcer:

  • Step 1: The patient is positioned face down to provide optimal access to the ischial region where the ulcer is located. This positioning is crucial for the surgeon to visualize and operate on the affected area effectively.
  • Step 2: An elliptical incision is made over the ischial tuberosity, which is the bony prominence of the ischium. This incision is designed to encompass the ulcer and any surrounding infected tissue, allowing for complete excision.
  • Step 3: The physician carefully removes the ulcer along with the affected skin surrounding it. This step is essential to ensure that all necrotic and infected tissue is excised, promoting a clean wound bed for healing.
  • Step 4: After excision, the wound is thoroughly irrigated. This irrigation process is critical to cleanse the wound of any debris, bacteria, or remaining infected tissue, reducing the risk of postoperative infection.
  • Step 5: The wound is then closed using primary sutures. This closure technique involves bringing the edges of the skin together to facilitate healing and restore the integrity of the skin in the ischial region.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the excision of an ischial pressure ulcer is vital for optimal recovery. Patients may require monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site, including increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Pain management may also be necessary, and the physician may prescribe analgesics as needed. It is essential to follow up with wound care instructions, which may include keeping the area clean and dry, changing dressings as directed, and avoiding pressure on the surgical site to promote healing. The healthcare team will provide guidance on mobility and positioning to prevent the recurrence of pressure ulcers in the future.

Short Descr EXC ISCH PR ULC PRM SUT OSTC
Medium Descr EXC ISCHIAL PR ULC W/PRIM SUTR W/OSTC ISCHIECT
Long Descr Excision, ischial pressure ulcer, with primary suture; with ostectomy (ischiectomy)
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) P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 142 - Partial excision bone
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient 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).
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.
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.)
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.)
AG Primary physician
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)
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"