CPT 15050: Pinch Graft Skin Grafting for Small Defects
CPT code 15050 covers the surgical procedure of harvesting and fixing one or more small skin pinch grafts to a recipient site, used to treat small ulcers, fingertip or toe injuries, or other defects up to 2 cm in diameter. Nationally, this code represents a targeted reconstructive dermatologic procedure that supports wound closure and preservation of function in small, focal defects. Payers addressed in this publication include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. This summary explains clinical context, typical settings of service, and what to expect in coverage and coding practice. Readers will gain a concise clinical description of the procedure, guidance on common service lines and sites of care, and an overview of common modifiers and related administrative considerations where applicable. The publication also outlines benchmarking and payer coverage themes relevant to clinicians, coding staff, and revenue cycle managers seeking a national perspective on utilization and billing for small-area skin grafting procedures. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and specific payer policy language is noted as unavailable in the detailed sections.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 15050 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 15050 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 15050 describes the surgical removal and transfer of one or more small, full-thickness or partial-thickness skin patches (pinch grafts) from a healthy donor site to a recipient site to cover small ulcers, a toe or fingertip, or other small areas up to 2 cm in diameter. This procedure is a form of skin grafting intended for small, localized defects.
-
Service type: Surgical skin grafting (pinch graft)
-
Typical site of service: Outpatient surgical suite or ambulatory surgery center; may also be performed in hospital operating room when clinically indicated.