Basics of CPT code 15011, 15012, 15013, 15014, 15015 & 15016
In 2025, their are new CPT codes which includes eight new codes for skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA). This technique includes the harvest and preparation of a liquid solution of skin cells that is applied to a wound site to promote healing. Included are codes for the skin harvesting determined by size (15011, 15012), preparation of the SCSA by size (15013, 15014), and application based on anatomic site and size (15015-15018). Today we will learn when to use these codes (CPT code 15011, 15012, 15013, 15014, 15015, 15016, 15017 & 15018) in surgery section.
Description of CPT code 15011 & 15012
15011 Harvest of skin for skin cell suspension autograft; first 25 sq cm or less
+15012 each additional 25 sq cm or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Note : CPT 15012 is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with 15011
The physician harvests skin for the preparation of a skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) to treat another area of the body requiring repair. The autologous skin cell suspension technique involves isolating skin cells for the management of thermal burns and full-thickness skin wounds. A dermatome is employed to extract a thin, split-thickness sample of both the epidermis and dermis, typically at a depth of 0.006-0.008 inches. This sample is then processed to create a skin cell suspension, which is applied to the recipient wound site. Each square centimeter of harvested skin can cover up to 80 square centimeters of wound area. Multiple skin samples may be obtained as needed to generate sufficient skin cells to fully cover the wound. The skin can also be segmented into smaller sections for processing.
For billing, report CPT code 15011 for the first 25 square centimeters or less of harvested skin, and CPT code 15012 for each additional 25 square centimeters or fraction thereof. The preparation and application of the autograft are reported separately.
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Description of CPT code 15013 & 15014
15013 Preparation of skin cell suspension autograft, requiring enzymatic processing, manual mechanical disaggregation of skin cells, and filtration
+15014 each additional 25 sq cm of harvested skin or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Note : CPT 15014 is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with 15013
The physician or another qualified healthcare professional prepares a skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA). This autologous skin cell suspension technique utilizes isolated skin cells for the treatment of thermal burns and full-thickness skin wounds. The harvested skin is incubated in an enzyme solution, which facilitates the breakdown of cell adhesions and the extracellular matrix. Following incubation, the skin is rinsed with a buffer solution, and the dermal and epidermal layers are separated through scraping. The resulting cells, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes, contribute to wound healing and may assist in repigmentation. The skin cells, along with the buffer solution, are then drawn into a syringe for application.
For billing purposes, report CPT code 15013 for the first 25 square centimeters or less of harvested skin, and CPT code 15014 for each additional 25 square centimeters or fraction thereof. The harvesting of skin and the application of the autograft are reported separately.
Description of CPT code 15015 & 15016
15015 Application of skin cell suspension autograft to wound and donor sites, including application of primary dressing, trunk, arms, legs
+15016 each additional 480 sq cm or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Note : CPT 15016 is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with 15015
The physician applies a skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) to both the recipient and donor wound sites. This technique, known as autologous skin cell suspension, involves using isolated skin cells to treat thermal burns and full-thickness skin wounds. After harvesting the skin, a skin cell suspension is prepared and drawn into a syringe for application. The suspension is then evenly sprayed onto the wound and donor sites to support epidermal regeneration on areas such as the trunk, arms, or legs. A dressing is applied to each wound and secured using glue, sutures, or staples.
For billing purposes, report CPT code 15015 for the first 480 square centimeters or less of skin treated, and CPT code 15016 for each additional 480 square centimeters or fraction thereof. The skin harvesting and preparation of the skin cell suspension are reported separately.
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Description of CPT code 15017 & 15018
15017 Application of skin cell suspension autograft to wound and donor sites, including application of primary dressing, face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits
+15018 each additional 480 sq cm or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Note : CPT 15018 is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with 15017
The physician applies a skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) to both the recipient and donor wound sites. This technique, known as autologous skin cell suspension, involves using isolated skin cells to treat thermal burns and full-thickness skin wounds. After harvesting the skin, a suspension of skin cells is prepared and drawn into a syringe. The suspension is then evenly sprayed onto the wound and donor sites to support the regeneration of the skin, particularly on sensitive areas such as the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, eyes, genitalia, hands, feet, or fingers. A dressing is placed over each wound and secured with glue, sutures, or staples.
For billing, report CPT code 15017 for the first 480 square centimeters or less of skin treated, and CPT code 15018 for each additional 480 square centimeters or part thereof. The harvesting of skin and the preparation of the skin cell suspension are reported separately.