CPT Code Overview

CPT code 14002 describes the adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement procedure performed on the trunk for defects measuring between 10.1 and 30.0 square centimeters. This surgical service is typically conducted in an outpatient hospital setting, classified as Place of Service 22. The procedure involves moving or rearranging nearby tissue to repair or reconstruct areas affected by trauma, surgery, or disease, restoring both function and appearance. This code is commonly used by physicians specializing in surgery, plastic surgery, and dermatology.

Clinical Context

A patient presents to the outpatient hospital with a significant skin defect on the trunk, measuring between 10.1 and 30.0 square centimeters. The defect may be due to trauma, surgical excision of a lesion, or disruption of a previous surgical wound. The clinical workflow involves assessment by a surgery, plastic surgery, or dermatology physician. The provider determines that adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement is necessary to close the defect, utilizing local tissue flaps to achieve optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions, and the patient is monitored postoperatively for wound healing and potential complications.

Coding Specifications

• Modifier 51 (Multiple Procedures): Used when more than one procedure is performed during the same operative session. Modifier 51 indicates that 14002 is one of several procedures performed.

• Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service): Used to indicate that 14002 is a distinct procedure from others performed on the same day, often when procedures are performed at different anatomical sites or are not normally reported together.

Related Diagnoses

• L90.5 - Scar conditions and fibrosis of skin

  • Indicates the presence of scar tissue or skin fibrosis, which may necessitate tissue transfer for functional or cosmetic improvement.

• L91.0 - Hypertrophic scar

  • Represents excessive scar formation, often requiring surgical intervention such as tissue rearrangement to improve appearance or function.

• T81.31XA - Disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified, initial encounter

  • Used when a surgical wound has dehisced or disrupted, requiring advanced closure techniques like adjacent tissue transfer.

• S01.81XA - Laceration without foreign body of other part of head, initial encounter

  • Indicates a traumatic laceration, which may require tissue transfer if the defect is large or complex.

• S31.119A - Laceration without foreign body of abdominal wall, initial encounter

  • Represents a laceration of the abdominal wall, potentially requiring adjacent tissue transfer for closure if the defect is significant.

Related CPT Codes

• 14001 - Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, trunk; defect 1.1 sq cm to 10.0 sq cm

  • Used for smaller defects on the trunk. May be used as an alternative to 14002 when the defect size is less than 10.1 sq cm.

• 13101 - Repair, complex, trunk; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm

  • Used for complex repairs of the trunk, typically when tissue transfer is not required. May be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to 14002 depending on the complexity and size of the defect.

• 12032 - Repair, intermediate, wounds of scalp, axillae, trunk and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet); 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm

  • Used for intermediate repairs, often for wounds that do not require tissue transfer. May be used for less complex cases or as an alternative to 14002.

• 15002 - Surgical preparation or creation of recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar (including subcutaneous tissues), or incisional release of scar contracture, trunk, arms, legs; first 100 sq cm or 1% of body area of infants and children

  • Used for preparing the recipient site prior to tissue transfer or rearrangement. May be performed before 14002 in cases where scar contracture or wound excision is necessary.