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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesOther Repair (Closure) Procedures on the Integumentary SystemCPT cpt-15845-facial-muscle-transfer-reanimation
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    CPT 15845: Facial Muscle Transfer for Facial Nerve Paralysis

    CPT code 15845 describes surgical transfer of muscle tissue from one area of the head or face to another part of the face affected by facial nerve paralysis to restore a more normal facial appearance; this is a facial muscle transfer procedure performed as a reconstructive surgical service typically delivered in an operating room or outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia, involving graft rotation while preserving the muscle's nerve and vascular supply.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid Products, Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per Days.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult with unilateral facial nerve paralysis resulting in facial asymmetry, inability to smile, and oral incompetence. The patient may have long-standing paralysis from trauma, tumor resection, or Bell palsy with inadequate spontaneous recovery. Evaluation includes facial nerve and muscle function assessment, imaging to exclude recurrent tumor, and preoperative planning for dynamic reanimation.

    Surgical workflow: preoperative assessment and informed consent; intraoperative marking and preparation; harvest of a local head or facial muscle flap (commonly temporalis or masseteric muscle) while preserving its neurovascular supply; transfer and rotation of the muscle graft into the paralyzed hemiface; securement to oral commissure and other soft tissue landmarks to restore resting tone and dynamic movement; intraoperative testing of tension and excursion; layered closure and postoperative monitoring. Postoperative care includes pain control, wound care, physical therapy for neuromuscular retraining, and follow-up for functional and aesthetic outcomes.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    15732Pedicle grafts, muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous; trunkNot directly on face but conceptually related technique; alternative donor-site graft strategy when larger musculocutaneous transfer needed
    15736Muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flap; head and neck — free flapUsed when free tissue transfer with microvascular anastomosis is required instead of a local rotational muscle transfer
    20969Muscle or muscle-tendon transfer, other than free muscle transfer; upper extremityRelated technique of muscle transfer; illustrates coding for tendon/muscle transpositions though anatomic site differs
    15737Muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flap; trunk, other than free flapSimilar flap-code family for larger reconstructions; used when more extensive soft-tissue reconstruction accompanies facial reanimation
    64561Facial nerve, repair or graft, single branch; with or without suture of nerve endsMay be performed concurrently when facial nerve repair or grafting is part of comprehensive reanimation strategy

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    66Modifier 66 (Surgical Team) is used when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons on a single, highly complex procedure. The AMA defines it for use when a surgical team — often composed of…- Use modifier 66 when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons working collaboratively as a surgical team on a single, highly complex or difficult procedure (for example organ…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207Y00000XOtolaryngology PhysicianAn otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ea…
    207L00000XAnesthesiology PhysicianAn anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
    208000000XPediatrics PhysicianA pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
    2084P0800XPsychiatry PhysicianA Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, …
    103T00000XPsychologistA psychologist is an individual who is licensed to practice psychology which is defined as the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, a…
    2251P0200XPediatric Physical TherapistA licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, who has d…
    103TE1000XDeactivated - Psychologist
    204F00000XTransplant Surgery PhysicianA surgeon who specializes in transplant surgery.

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 2

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Pharmacologic Treatment of PsoriasisPremera Bluecross2026-08-01
    Winlevi (clascoterone 1% cream) — Topical AcneCigna2026-08-01
    Spevigo (spesolimab‑sbzo) for generalized pustular psoriasisUnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Onychomycosis Testingblue cross blue shield - louisiana2026-08-01
    Spesolimab-sbzo (Spevigoblue cross blue shield - tennessee2026-07-31
    Home ultraviolet light therapy equipment for skin conditionsselect_health2026-07-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-15780-FACIAL-DEVICE-BASED-RESURFACING-TOTAL-FACE

    CPT 15780: Rotational Device Treatment of Total Face

    CPT-15781-FACIAL-DERMABRASION-PARTIAL-FACE

    CPT 15781: Partial-Face Dermabrasion for Scars, Lesions, Tattoos

    CPT-15782-NON-FACIAL-DERMABRASION-SKIN-RESURFACING

    CPT 15782: Dermabrasion, Non-Facial Skin

    CPT-15783-SUPERFICIAL-SKIN-RESURFACING-TATTOO-AND-SCAR-REMOVAL

    CPT 15783: Dermabrasion for Tattoo and Superficial Lesion Removal

    CPT-15786-SKIN-LESION-SANDING-DERMABRASION-SINGLE-LESION

    CPT 15786: Skin Surface Abrasion for Single Lesion

    CPT-15787-DERMAL-RESURFACING-ADDITIONAL-LESIONS-1-TO-4

    CPT 15787: Removal of 1–4 Additional Lesions by Light Dermabrasion

    CPT-15788-CHEMICAL-PEEL-CHEMEXFOLIATION-SKIN-RESURFACING

    CPT 15788: Chemical Peel (Chemexfoliation) for Superficial Skin Lesions

    CPT-15789-CHEMICAL-PEEL-CHEMEXFOLIATION

    CPT 15789: Chemical Peel (Chemexfoliation)

    CPT-15792-CHEMICAL-PEEL-CHEMEXFOLIATION

    CPT 15792: Chemical Peel (Chemexfoliation)

    CPT-15793-CHEMICAL-PEEL-CHEMEXFOLIATION-SKIN-RESURFACING

    CPT 15793: Chemical Peel (Chemexfoliation) for Superficial Skin Damage

    Showing 1–10 of 41

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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