© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 15952 refers to the surgical procedure for the excision of a trochanteric pressure ulcer, which is a type of wound that develops over the greater trochanter of the femur due to prolonged pressure. This condition is commonly known as a pressure sore, bedsore, or decubitus ulcer. The greater trochanter is a prominent bony projection located on the outer aspect of the femur, serving as an attachment point for various muscles in the thigh and buttock. The procedure involves the careful removal of the ulcer along with all necrotic tissue, which includes the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially muscle. In this specific procedure, a local skin flap is utilized for closure. The surgeon makes an elliptical incision around the ulcer, excising the affected tissue. Following this, the adjacent skin is incised down to the level of subcutaneous fat, allowing for the mobilization of a skin flap. This flap is then rotated or advanced to cover the wound and is sutured in place. Additionally, the donor site from where the skin flap was taken is also repaired with sutures. This method of closure is particularly beneficial as it helps to ensure that the wound is covered with healthy tissue, promoting better healing and reducing the risk of complications associated with pressure ulcers.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure coded as CPT® 15952 is indicated for patients presenting with a trochanteric pressure ulcer, which may also be referred to as a pressure sore, bedsore, or decubitus ulcer. These ulcers typically occur over the greater trochanter of the femur and are often the result of prolonged pressure on the skin, particularly in individuals with limited mobility. The following conditions may warrant the excision of a trochanteric pressure ulcer:
The procedure for CPT® 15952 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective excision and closure of the trochanteric pressure ulcer:
Post-procedure care for a patient who has undergone the excision of a trochanteric pressure ulcer with skin flap closure includes monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, ensuring proper wound care, and managing pain. Patients may require follow-up visits to assess the healing process and to change dressings as needed. It is also essential to educate patients on pressure relief techniques and mobility strategies to prevent the recurrence of pressure ulcers. The expected recovery time may vary based on the extent of the ulcer and the patient's overall health status.
| Short Descr | EXC TRCHNTR PR ULC FLP CLSR | Medium Descr | EXC TROCHANTERIC PR ULCER W/SKIN FLAP CLOSURE | Long Descr | Excision, trochanteric pressure ulcer, with skin flap closure; | 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 | 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 | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 170 - Excision of skin lesion |
| 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. | 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). | 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) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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