Summary & Overview
CPT 14000: Adjacent Tissue Transfer or Rearrangement, Trunk, Small Defect
CPT code 14000 is a key billing code for adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement procedures on the trunk, specifically for defects measuring 10 square centimeters or less. This code is widely used in surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery to address skin defects resulting from trauma, surgical excision, or other medical conditions. The procedure is typically performed in office or hospital outpatient settings, making it accessible across a range of clinical environments.
Major national payers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare, recognize and reimburse for services billed under CPT 14000. Understanding the coverage policies and reimbursement benchmarks for this code is critical for providers, billing professionals, and healthcare administrators seeking to ensure compliance and optimize revenue cycle management.
This publication provides a comprehensive overview of CPT 14000, including its clinical context, typical sites of service, and payer coverage. Readers will gain insights into relevant policy updates, common billing modifiers, associated taxonomies, and related ICD-10 diagnoses. The analysis also highlights related CPT codes for larger defects and surgical site preparation, offering a broader perspective on adjacent tissue transfer procedures. The information is designed to support accurate coding, documentation, and understanding of national payer trends for this important surgical service.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 14000 describes adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement procedures performed on the trunk for defects measuring 10 square centimeters or less. This surgical service is part of the integumentary system and is commonly used to repair skin defects resulting from trauma, surgery, or other conditions. Typical sites of service include the office (POS 11) and hospital outpatient (POS 22) settings, reflecting the flexibility of this procedure in both ambulatory and hospital environments. The code is essential for accurate billing and clinical documentation of reconstructive skin surgeries involving small defects on the trunk.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents with a small defect (10 sq cm or less) on the trunk, such as the chest, abdomen, or back, resulting from trauma, surgical excision, or wound disruption. The defect may be due to removal of a hypertrophic scar, closure of a surgical wound, or repair of a laceration. The provider, typically a surgical oncologist or general surgeon, evaluates the wound and determines that adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement is necessary to achieve optimal closure and healing. The procedure is performed in an office or hospital outpatient setting, with careful planning to mobilize nearby skin and subcutaneous tissue to cover the defect, minimizing tension and improving cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Coding Specifications
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Modifier
59: Used to indicate a distinct procedural service, such as when the adjacent tissue transfer is performed separately from other procedures during the same encounter. -
Modifier
51: Used to denote multiple procedures performed during the same session, such as when adjacent tissue transfer is performed along with other surgical interventions.
| Modifier Code | Description |
|---|---|
59 |