Summary & Overview
CPT 15877: Suction-Assisted Lipectomy (Trunk)
CPT code 15877 denotes suction–assisted lipectomy of the trunk regions, a frequently performed body-contouring surgical procedure to remove localized fat deposits. Nationally, this code captures a common elective cosmetic and reconstructive intervention with implications for surgical practice patterns, facility utilization, and payer coverage policies.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of payer coverage approaches, coding and billing considerations tied to the procedure, typical sites of service, and benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement where available. The publication outlines clinical context for the service, common billing modifiers that may apply, and potential policy updates affecting coverage and prior authorization requirements.
This summary is intended for clinical billers, practice administrators, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference to CPT code 15877, its clinical application, and the payer landscape impacting claims processing and service delivery at the national level.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 15877 describes suction–assisted lipectomy (liposuction) of the trunk regions to remove localized fat deposits. The service type is a surgical body-contouring procedure using suction-assisted techniques. The typical site of service is an outpatient surgical suite or ambulatory surgical center; inpatient settings may be used when clinically indicated.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 38-year-old healthy female presents to a cosmetic surgery clinic requesting contouring of persistent adipose deposits localized to the abdomen and flanks after weight loss and exercise. Following consultation and preoperative evaluation, the surgeon plans suction‑assisted lipectomy of the trunk regions to remove subcutaneous fat deposits. The procedure is performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia with standard sterile technique. Preoperative steps include history and physical, informed consent, marking of planned treatment areas, photographic documentation, and anesthesia evaluation. Intraoperative workflow includes tumescent infiltration, small incisions at trocar sites, suction cannula liposuction of the abdomen and bilateral flanks, hemostasis, compression dressing application, and recovery with short observation. Postoperative instructions include wound care, activity restrictions, compression garment use, and follow‑up visits for dressing removal and assessment of contour and complications.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
59 | Distinct Procedural Service | Use when procedures or services not normally reported together are appropriate to report separately on the same day (e.g., separate anatomic areas treated with distinct technique or documentation). |
52 |