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    OpenPayerBilling CodesOther Repair (Closure) Procedures on the Integumentary SystemCPT cpt-15878-upper-extremity-liposuction-axillary-lipoplasty
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    CPT 15878: Suction-Assisted Lipectomy of Upper Extremity (Axillary)

    CPT code 15878 describes suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) of the upper extremity performed to remove localized fat deposits, most commonly from the axillary/underarm region; the service is a surgical liposuction procedure (operative service) typically performed in an outpatient surgical suite or ambulatory surgery center under appropriate anesthesia and operative monitoring.

    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 39-year-old female presents to a plastic surgery clinic seeking reduction of persistent axillary and medial upper arm adipose fullness that has not responded to diet and exercise. After clinical evaluation and discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives, the surgeon schedules suction-assisted lipectomy of the upper extremity to remove localized fat deposits primarily from the underarm region. The patient undergoes preoperative marking with the arms abducted, receives general anesthesia, and is treated in an ambulatory surgery center. The procedure includes tumescent infiltration, suction-assisted fat aspiration through small stab incisions, contouring of the axillary and medial upper arm, hemostasis, and placement of compression garments. Postoperative workflow includes recovery room monitoring, discharge with activity restrictions and garment instructions, and scheduled follow-up visits at 1 week and 6 weeks for wound check and assessment of contour and complications.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    15877Suction-assisted lipectomy; trunkPerformed for adjacent or concurrent contouring of trunk areas in staged or combined body contouring with upper extremity lipectomy.
    15879Suction-assisted lipectomy; other areasUsed for lipectomy of other specific body areas performed during same operative session when coding distinct anatomic sites.
    15876Suction-assisted lipectomy; head and neckRelevant if concurrent facial/neck liposuction is performed with upper extremity procedure.
    11920Subcutaneous injection of material for contouring (e.g., filler)May be performed adjunctively for minor contour irregularities after lipectomy in the same operative episode.
    20005Excision of soft tissue mass, trunk, arms or legs; complicatedUsed when removal of a lipomatous mass or extensive soft tissue excision is required in addition to lipectomy.

    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…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    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…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    24Modifier 24 denotes an unrelated evaluation and management (E/M) service performed by the same physician or qualified healthcare professional during a postoperative global period. Per CPT guidance,…- Use modifier 24 when you report an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed by the same physician or same-specialty group during a procedure’s postoperative global period that is unrelated…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207V00000XObstetrics & Gynecology PhysicianAn obstetrician/gynecologist possesses special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproducti…
    208200000XPlastic Surgery PhysicianA plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal sys…
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    207P00000XEmergency Medicine PhysicianAn emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospit…
    222Z00000XOrthotistA health care professional who is specifically educated and trained to manage comprehensive orthotic patient care, including musculoskeletal and neuro…
    174400000XSpecialistAn individual educated and trained in an applied knowledge discipline used in the performance of work at a level requiring knowledge and skills beyond…
    225XF0002XFeeding, Eating & Swallowing Occupational TherapistOccupational therapists provide interventions to clients of all ages with feeding, eating and swallowing difficulties. Occupational therapists provid…
    103TW0100XDeactivated - Psychotherapy Women

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 2

    5 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
    Winlevi (clascoterone 1% cream) — Topical AcneCigna2026-08-01

    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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