Summary & Overview
CPT 15879: Liposuction of Lower Extremity (Thigh and Knee)
CPT code 15879 represents suction–assisted lipectomy of the lower extremity, targeting fat deposits in the thigh and knee. This surgical body-contouring procedure is widely used in aesthetic and reconstructive practices and is notable for its frequency and resource implications across ambulatory surgical centers and hospital outpatient departments. The code matters nationally because it captures a common operative service with implications for coverage policies, coding compliance, and payment across major payers.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical service defined by the code, payer coverage patterns, common billing modifiers, and typical settings of care. The publication summarizes benchmarking metrics and coding guidance relevant to claims processing and audit readiness, and it outlines clinical context that payers and providers use when determining medical necessity and benefit design. Data not provided in the input are noted as unavailable where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 15879 describes suction–assisted lipectomy (liposuction) of the lower extremity, performed to remove localized fat deposits primarily from the thigh and knee regions. The service is a surgical body-contouring procedure that removes adipose tissue using suction-assisted techniques.
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Service type: Surgical, cosmetic/esthetic and reconstructive soft-tissue procedure
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in a physician office with appropriate surgical capability
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 38-year-old female presents to a plastic surgery clinic seeking contour improvement of bilateral thighs and knees due to persistent localized adiposity resistant to diet and exercise. After consultation, the surgeon determines suction‑assisted lipectomy of the lower extremity is appropriate to remove subcutaneous fat deposits primarily from the medial and lateral thighs and peripatellar regions. Preoperative evaluation includes medical history, physical exam focusing on skin quality and fat distribution, documentation of informed consent, and baseline photographs.
On the day of service the patient arrives to an ambulatory surgical center. Standard preoperative nursing assessment, surgical site marking, and time‑out are completed. Anesthesia is administered (local with sedation or general anesthesia depending on extent). The surgeon creates small skin incisions, infiltrates tumescent solution, and performs 15879 suction‑assisted lipectomy of the indicated lower extremity areas. Hemostasis is achieved, incisions are closed or left open for drainage per surgeon preference, and compression garments are applied. The patient is monitored in PACU and discharged with written postoperative instructions and follow‑up arranged within 1–2 weeks for wound check and compression management.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component |