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CPT 14061: Local Tissue Reconstruction for Facial Defects

CPT code 14061 documents a local tissue reconstruction procedure for defects of the eyelids, nose, ears, or lips measuring 10.1 cm2 to 30.0 cm2. This reconstructive code is used to report adjacent tissue transfer techniques that restore form and function after lesion excision, making it relevant to dermatologic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and facilities managing facial soft-tissue defects. Nationally, accurate use of this code affects claims processing, quality measurement for reconstructive services, and appropriate grouping for facility and professional reimbursement.

Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for CPT code 14061, typical sites of service, and the scope of defects represented by the code. The publication also summarizes benchmarks for utilization, common billing considerations, and recent policy updates or payer guidance where available. Clinical notes clarify when this code applies versus alternative reconstructive codes based on defect size and anatomical site. This resource is intended for billing professionals, clinicians, and policy analysts seeking a clear, national-level reference for reporting and reviewing procedures involving adjacent tissue reconstruction of facial structures.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 14061 describes a reconstructive procedure in which the provider replaces lesions of the eyelids, nose, ears, or lips using tissue transferred from an adjacent site. This code applies when the surgical defect measures 10.1 cm2 to 30.0 cm2.

Service type: Soft tissue reconstruction / local tissue transfer (adjacent tissue rearrangement)
Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in an office-based surgical suite depending on facility capabilities and patient needs.

Data not available in the input.

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CPT 14061: Local Tissue Reconstruction for Facial Defects

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Billing Code Overview

Service type: Soft tissue reconstruction / local tissue transfer (adjacent tissue rearrangement)
Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in an office-based surgical suite depending on facility capabilities and patient needs.

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 67-year-old patient presents to an outpatient dermatologic surgery clinic with a recurrent basal cell carcinoma involving the lateral lower eyelid measuring 3.5 cm by 2.5 cm after excision of the primary tumor. After Mohs micrographic excision and confirmation of clear margins, the resulting full-thickness defect measures 18.0 cm2. The reconstructive surgeon performs a local flap reconstruction using adjacent healthy eyelid and periorbital tissue to close the eyelid defect and restore eyelid margin continuity and ocular protection. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation and informed consent, local or monitored anesthesia care, excision with margin control (if performed during the same visit), flap design and elevation, inset and layered closure, hemostasis, dressing application, and immediate postoperative assessment. Typical documentation includes operative report with defect size (cm2), flap type and donor site, anesthesia type, estimated blood loss, specimens sent (if applicable), and postoperative instructions. Typical sites of service are outpatient dermatologic surgery centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospital outpatient departments where reconstructive procedures on the eyelids, nose, ears, or lips are performed.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another procedure on a separate anatomic site or distinct procedural service is performed the same day and should be reported separately from the flap reconstruction.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use on secondary procedures when multiple surgeries are performed during the same session and payor requires this modifier for multiple procedure processing.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use if the reconstruction was started but aborted due to an unexpected clinical condition.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when the work required is substantially greater than typical (extensive dissection, complex reconstruction) with supporting documentation.
`79`	Unrelated procedure/service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when a separate, unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`24`	Unrelated E/M service during postoperative period	Use when an evaluation unrelated to the surgery occurs during the global period (note: `24` is not in the provided list; therefore not included).
`26`	Professional component	Use if only the surgeon’s professional component is billed separately (rare for global surgical procedures).
`RT`	Right side	Use to designate right-sided procedure when laterality is required by payor.
`LT`	Left side	Use to designate left-sided procedure when laterality is required by payor.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when the reconstructive procedure is performed bilaterally and payor requires a bilateral modifier.
`22`	Increased procedural services	(Duplicate entry excluded)
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct portions of the reconstruction.
`66`	Surgical team concept	Use when a surgical team approach is required for complex reconstruction.
`52`	Reduced service	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as described in the full code description.
`78`	Return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when a related return to OR for complications or revision occurs during the global period.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207P00000X	Dermatology	Dermatologic surgeons commonly perform local flap reconstructions after skin cancer excision.
208000000X	Otolaryngology (ENT)	ENT surgeons perform facial reconstructive flaps on the nose, ears, and periorbital region.
207L00000X	Plastic Surgery	Plastic and reconstructive surgeons commonly perform complex local flap closures and aesthetic reconstruction for defects in this size range.
208500000X	Ophthalmology	Oculoplastic surgeons manage eyelid reconstructions and specialized periocular flap procedures.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C44.119`	Basal cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus	Common malignant lesion requiring excision with subsequent local flap reconstruction of eyelid defects.
`C44.129`	Basal cell carcinoma of skin of right eyelid, including canthus	As above, right-sided lesion leading to similar reconstructive needs.
`C44.219`	Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus	Squamous cell carcinomas of periocular skin often require excision and flap closure for functional and cosmetic restoration.
`L98.4`	Non-healing surgical wound	May be relevant for reconstruction of chronic or non-healing defects requiring flap coverage.
`S01.11XA`	Laceration without foreign body of right eyelid and periocular area, initial encounter	Traumatic defects sometimes require adjacent tissue transfer for closure of eyelid defects.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`14060`	Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, feet, or other sites; defect 10.0 cm2 or less	Used for smaller defects; may be billed instead if the defect size is within this smaller size range.
`14062`	Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, eyelids, nose, ears, or lips; defect 30.1 cm2 to 60.0 cm2	Used when the defect size exceeds the `10.1–30.0 cm2` range of `14061` and a larger code is appropriate.
`12011`	Simple repair of superficial wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm	May be performed for layered closure of smaller defects or donor site closures during the reconstructive procedure.
`13132`	Secondary intermediate repair, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; 1.1 cm to 2.5 cm	Used for revision or secondary repairs of wounds if needed during the postoperative period.
`14000`	Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, any area; defect size not specified in eyelids/nose/ears/lips codes	Sometimes used when coding guidance or defect location differs; selection depends on site-specific codes and payor rules.

CPT 14000: Adjacent Tissue Transfer, Trunk (≤10 cm²)

CPT-14001-ADJACENT-TISSUE-TRANSFER-TRUNK-10-1-TO-30CM2

CPT 14001: Adjacent Tissue Transfer for Trunk Defect 10.1–30.0 cm2

CPT-14020-LOCAL-TISSUE-TRANSFER-SCALP-ARMS-LEGS-10CM2-OR-LESS

CPT 14020: Local Tissue Transfer for Scalp, Arms, or Legs (≤10 cm2)

CPT-14021-LOCAL-FLAP-REPAIR-SCALP-ARMS-LEGS-10-1-30CM2

CPT 14021: Local Flap Repair of Scalp, Arms, or Legs (10.1–30.0 cm²)

CPT-14040-LOCAL-FLAP-REPAIR-DEFECT-10CM2-OR-LESS

CPT 14040: Local Flap Repair of Soft Tissue Defect ≤10 cm²

CPT-14041-ADJACENT-TISSUE-TRANSFER-LOCAL-FLAP-10-1-30CM2

CPT 14041: Adjacent Tissue Transfer (Local Flap) for 10.1–30.0 cm² Defect

CPT-14060-LOCAL-FLAP-REPAIR-EYELIDS-NOSE-EARS-LIPS-DEFECT-10CM2-OR-LESS

CPT 14060: Local Flap Repair of Eyelids, Nose, Ears, or Lips (≤10 cm2)

CPT-14301-LOCAL-TISSUE-REPLACEMENT-30-1-60-0-CM2

CPT 14301: Local Tissue Replacement for 30.1–60.0 cm2 Defect

CPT-14302-ADJACENT-TISSUE-TRANSFER-EXTENSION-SKIN-REPAIR

CPT 14302: Adjacent Tissue Transfer Extension for Skin Repair

CPT-14350-FILLET-FLAP-REPLACEMENT-FINGER-TOE

CPT 14350: Finger or Toe Fillet Flap Replacement to Restore Function

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another procedure on a separate anatomic site or distinct procedural service is performed the same day and should be reported separately from the flap reconstruction.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use on secondary procedures when multiple surgeries are performed during the same session and payor requires this modifier for multiple procedure processing.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use if the reconstruction was started but aborted due to an unexpected clinical condition.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when the work required is substantially greater than typical (extensive dissection, complex reconstruction) with supporting documentation.
`79`	Unrelated procedure/service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when a separate, unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`24`	Unrelated E/M service during postoperative period	Use when an evaluation unrelated to the surgery occurs during the global period (note: `24` is not in the provided list; therefore not included).
`26`	Professional component	Use if only the surgeon’s professional component is billed separately (rare for global surgical procedures).
`RT`	Right side	Use to designate right-sided procedure when laterality is required by payor.
`LT`	Left side	Use to designate left-sided procedure when laterality is required by payor.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when the reconstructive procedure is performed bilaterally and payor requires a bilateral modifier.
`22`	Increased procedural services	(Duplicate entry excluded)
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct portions of the reconstruction.
`66`	Surgical team concept	Use when a surgical team approach is required for complex reconstruction.
`52`	Reduced service	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as described in the full code description.
`78`	Return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when a related return to OR for complications or revision occurs during the global period.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207P00000X	Dermatology	Dermatologic surgeons commonly perform local flap reconstructions after skin cancer excision.
208000000X	Otolaryngology (ENT)	ENT surgeons perform facial reconstructive flaps on the nose, ears, and periorbital region.
207L00000X	Plastic Surgery	Plastic and reconstructive surgeons commonly perform complex local flap closures and aesthetic reconstruction for defects in this size range.
208500000X	Ophthalmology	Oculoplastic surgeons manage eyelid reconstructions and specialized periocular flap procedures.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C44.119`	Basal cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus	Common malignant lesion requiring excision with subsequent local flap reconstruction of eyelid defects.
`C44.129`	Basal cell carcinoma of skin of right eyelid, including canthus	As above, right-sided lesion leading to similar reconstructive needs.
`C44.219`	Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left eyelid, including canthus	Squamous cell carcinomas of periocular skin often require excision and flap closure for functional and cosmetic restoration.
`L98.4`	Non-healing surgical wound	May be relevant for reconstruction of chronic or non-healing defects requiring flap coverage.
`S01.11XA`	Laceration without foreign body of right eyelid and periocular area, initial encounter	Traumatic defects sometimes require adjacent tissue transfer for closure of eyelid defects.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`14060`	Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, feet, or other sites; defect 10.0 cm2 or less	Used for smaller defects; may be billed instead if the defect size is within this smaller size range.
`14062`	Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, eyelids, nose, ears, or lips; defect 30.1 cm2 to 60.0 cm2	Used when the defect size exceeds the `10.1–30.0 cm2` range of `14061` and a larger code is appropriate.
`12011`	Simple repair of superficial wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm	May be performed for layered closure of smaller defects or donor site closures during the reconstructive procedure.
`13132`	Secondary intermediate repair, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; 1.1 cm to 2.5 cm	Used for revision or secondary repairs of wounds if needed during the postoperative period.
`14000`	Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, any area; defect size not specified in eyelids/nose/ears/lips codes	Sometimes used when coding guidance or defect location differs; selection depends on site-specific codes and payor rules.

CPT 14000: Adjacent Tissue Transfer, Trunk (≤10 cm²)

CPT-14001-ADJACENT-TISSUE-TRANSFER-TRUNK-10-1-TO-30CM2

CPT 14001: Adjacent Tissue Transfer for Trunk Defect 10.1–30.0 cm2

CPT-14020-LOCAL-TISSUE-TRANSFER-SCALP-ARMS-LEGS-10CM2-OR-LESS

CPT 14020: Local Tissue Transfer for Scalp, Arms, or Legs (≤10 cm2)

CPT-14021-LOCAL-FLAP-REPAIR-SCALP-ARMS-LEGS-10-1-30CM2

CPT 14021: Local Flap Repair of Scalp, Arms, or Legs (10.1–30.0 cm²)

CPT-14040-LOCAL-FLAP-REPAIR-DEFECT-10CM2-OR-LESS

CPT 14040: Local Flap Repair of Soft Tissue Defect ≤10 cm²

CPT-14041-ADJACENT-TISSUE-TRANSFER-LOCAL-FLAP-10-1-30CM2

CPT 14041: Adjacent Tissue Transfer (Local Flap) for 10.1–30.0 cm² Defect

CPT-14060-LOCAL-FLAP-REPAIR-EYELIDS-NOSE-EARS-LIPS-DEFECT-10CM2-OR-LESS

CPT 14060: Local Flap Repair of Eyelids, Nose, Ears, or Lips (≤10 cm2)

CPT-14301-LOCAL-TISSUE-REPLACEMENT-30-1-60-0-CM2

CPT 14301: Local Tissue Replacement for 30.1–60.0 cm2 Defect

CPT-14302-ADJACENT-TISSUE-TRANSFER-EXTENSION-SKIN-REPAIR

CPT 14302: Adjacent Tissue Transfer Extension for Skin Repair

CPT-14350-FILLET-FLAP-REPLACEMENT-FINGER-TOE

CPT 14350: Finger or Toe Fillet Flap Replacement to Restore Function

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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CPT 14061: Local Tissue Reconstruction for Facial Defects

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Billing Code Overview

OpenPayer

CPT 14061: Local Tissue Reconstruction for Facial Defects

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

CPT 14061: Local Tissue Reconstruction for Facial Defects

Sign up for cpt 14061 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

CPT 14061: Local Tissue Reconstruction for Facial Defects

Sign up for cpt 14061 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

When should CPT code 14061 be used?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with billing CPT 14061?

How does CPT 14061 relate to other adjacent tissue transfer codes like 14060 and 14062?

What documentation is typically required when reporting CPT 14061?

Where is CPT 14061 typically performed and which specialties commonly bill it?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

When should CPT code 14061 be used?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with billing CPT 14061?

How does CPT 14061 relate to other adjacent tissue transfer codes like 14060 and 14062?

What documentation is typically required when reporting CPT 14061?

Where is CPT 14061 typically performed and which specialties commonly bill it?

References