© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 15951 refers to the surgical procedure for the excision of a trochanteric pressure ulcer, which is also known as a pressure sore, bedsore, or decubitus ulcer. These ulcers typically develop over the greater trochanter, a prominent bony projection located at the proximal end of the femur, which serves as an attachment point for various muscles in the thigh and buttock. The procedure involves creating an elliptical incision around the ulcer to remove all necrotic tissue, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. Unlike the simpler excision described in CPT® Code 15950, this procedure requires a more extensive approach where the trochanter is exposed, allowing for a thorough inspection of the trochanteric bursa and the underlying bone. During the excision, the bursa is resected, and any involved bone or bony protuberances are carefully excised while ensuring the protection of surrounding nerves and blood vessels. After the excision, any rough bony surfaces are smoothed using a file, and the wound is subsequently closed in layers with primary suture repair. This detailed approach is essential for effective treatment of the ulcer and to promote proper healing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 15951 is indicated for the treatment of trochanteric pressure ulcers, which may arise due to prolonged pressure on the greater trochanter, often seen in patients with limited mobility. These ulcers can lead to significant complications if not addressed, including infection and further tissue damage. The excision is performed to remove necrotic tissue and to facilitate healing, thereby preventing the progression of the ulcer and improving the patient's overall condition.
The procedure for CPT® Code 15951 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective excision of the trochanteric pressure ulcer.
After the procedure, patients will require careful monitoring and post-operative care to ensure proper healing of the excised area. This may include pain management, wound care, and regular assessments to monitor for signs of infection or complications. The recovery process will vary depending on the individual patient's health status and the extent of the excision performed. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to evaluate the healing progress and to determine if any additional interventions are needed.
| Short Descr | EXC TRCHNTR PR ULC OSTC | Medium Descr | EXC TRCHNTRIC PR ULCER W/PRIM SUTR W/OSTECTOMY | Long Descr | Excision, trochanteric pressure ulcer, with primary suture; with ostectomy | 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) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | 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.) | 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. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.