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CPT 15944: Hip Pressure Sore Excision with Skin Flap Closure

CPT code 15944 denotes surgical excision of a pressure sore in the hip region with closure using a skin flap. This procedure is a reconstructive soft-tissue operation intended to provide durable wound coverage, prevent recurrence, and restore local tissue integrity. Nationally, accurate coding for pressure-ulcer flap reconstruction affects surgical quality reporting, utilization monitoring, and payment across major commercial and public payers.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for use of this code, typical sites of service, and the kinds of measures and benchmarks that tend to accompany reconstructive pressure-ulcer surgery. The publication summarizes common modifier usage (data provided), payer coverage patterns (when available), and related clinical considerations such as the surgical objective of flap coverage and the need for comprehensive wound management.

This summary prepares clinicians, billing staff, and policy analysts to interpret procedural documentation and align billing with clinical intent. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable, and readers will learn what information is typically required to support claims and quality review for pressure-ulcer flap reconstruction.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 15944 describes removal of a pressure sore (decubitus ulcer) located in the hip area with closure of the defect using a skin flap to achieve durable wound coverage and reduce recurrence. The procedure involves debridement of the ulcer bed and reconstruction with local or regional flap techniques tailored to the hip pressure-area defect.

Service Type: Surgical wound debridement and flap reconstruction of a pressure ulcer.

Typical Site of Service: Hospital operating room or outpatient surgical center, depending on patient condition and surgical complexity.

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CPT 15944: Hip Pressure Sore Excision with Skin Flap Closure

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Billing Code Overview

Service Type: Surgical wound debridement and flap reconstruction of a pressure ulcer.

Typical Site of Service: Hospital operating room or outpatient surgical center, depending on patient condition and surgical complexity.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an older adult with limited mobility who presents with a chronic, full-thickness pressure ulcer over the hip (greater trochanter) that has failed conservative wound care, including offloading, debridement, and advanced dressings. The wound demonstrates stable bacterial control, adequate nutritional status, and absence of uncontrolled systemic infection, and is assessed as appropriate for definitive surgical closure with a soft-tissue flap. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation (medical history, vascular assessment, optimization of comorbidities such as diabetes and anemia), imaging as needed, perioperative antibiotics, operative flap harvest and transfer to cover the defect, layered closure, application of drains if indicated, and postoperative protocols for offloading, dressing changes, and physical therapy. Typical perioperative documentation includes wound size, location (hip/trochanteric), prior debridement history, flap type, estimated blood loss, intraoperative findings, drain placement, and explicit description of closure technique to support code 15944.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work or complexity substantially exceeds usual for a flap closure due to extensive dissection, fibrosis, or prolonged operative time documented in the record.
`23`	Unusual anesthesia	Use when general anesthesia is required for an otherwise minor procedure because of patient condition and this is documented.
`26`	Professional component	Use when separating professional component from technical component; rarely applicable for operative procedures but used if reporting professional interpretation separate from global service.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when identical flap closures are performed on both hips during the same operative session.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when additional distinct procedures are performed at the same operative session in addition to the flap closure.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or discontinued and documentation supports partial performance.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another procedure performed at the same session is distinct and/or in a separate CMS-defined anatomical site; supports separate billing.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons, each contributing substantial work to the flap reconstruction.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use when the same surgeon repeats the procedure within the postoperative period (apply only if clinically documented).
`78`	Return to the operating room for related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when a related take-back for flap revision or hematoma evacuation occurs during the global period.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when an assistant surgeon is documented as assisting with the procedure.
`81`	Minimum assistant surgeon	Use when a minimal assistant is documented.
`62`	Two surgeons	See above (included because commonly applicable to complex reconstructions).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
Data not available in the input.	Plastic Surgery	Plastic surgeons commonly perform myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flap reconstructions for pressure ulcers.
Data not available in the input.	General Surgery	General surgeons at specialty centers perform complex wound reconstructions when plastic surgery is unavailable.
Data not available in the input.	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgeons occasionally perform soft-tissue coverage procedures over bony prominences in collaboration with plastic surgery.
Data not available in the input.	Wound Care/Hyperbaric Specialists	Wound care specialists coordinate pre- and postoperative care, though they are not usually the primary flap surgeon.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`L89.152`	Pressure ulcer of left hip, stage 4	Stage 4 trochanteric pressure ulcers with full-thickness tissue loss commonly require flap reconstruction like `15944`.
`L89.153`	Pressure ulcer of left hip, unstageable	Unstageable ulcers once debrided and confirmed as full thickness may proceed to flap closure.
`L89.052`	Pressure ulcer of right hip, stage 4	Contralateral trochanteric ulcers requiring similar reconstructive approach.
`L89.053`	Pressure ulcer of right hip, unstageable	As above for unstageable ulcers after appropriate evaluation.
`E11.9`	Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications	Diabetes is a common comorbidity that affects wound healing and is frequently present in patients undergoing flap reconstruction for pressure ulcers.
`M48.06`	Spinal stenosis, lumbar region	Neurologic deficits and immobility from spinal disease can predispose to pressure ulcer formation at the hip.
`Z48.298`	Encounter for other postoperative aftercare following other orthopedic or soft tissue procedure	Used for postoperative management visits after flap reconstruction when applicable.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`11042`	Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (first 20 sq cm or less)	Commonly performed prior to flap closure to remove necrotic tissue and prepare a clean wound bed; may be billed separately if documentation supports debridement beyond that integral to the closure.
`13160`	Secondary closure of surgical wound, complicated	Used for closure of complicated wounds; may be performed if less complex closure than flap reconstruction is chosen or for layered closure of donor/recipient sites.
`15734`	Muscle, myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis	Used when a free flap with microvascular anastomosis is performed; relates to `15944` when pedicled flap is insufficient and a free flap is required.
`97605`	Negative pressure wound therapy (management of surgical wound)	Often used postoperatively for wound management prior to definitive closure or for adjunctive therapy after flap closure in complex cases.
`96365`	Intravenous infusion, therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic	Used for perioperative IV antibiotics or fluids when documented as separate infusion services during the same encounter.

CPT 15920: Sacrococcygeal Pressure Sore Debridement with Bone Excision

CPT-15922-SACROCOCCYGEAL-PRESSURE-ULCER-DEBRIDEMENT-FLAP-CLOSURE

CPT 15922: Sacrococcygeal Pressure Ulcer Debridement with Flap Closure

CPT-15931-SACRAL-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-PRIMARY-CLOSURE

CPT 15931: Excision of Sacral Pressure Sore with Primary Closure

CPT-15933-PRESSURE-SORE-AND-SACRAL-BONE-EXCISION-WITH-CLOSURE

CPT 15933: Excision of Pressure Sore and Underlying Sacral Bone with Closure

CPT-15934-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-FLAP-CLOSURE-SACRAL

CPT 15934: Excision of Sacral Pressure Sore with Flap Closure

CPT-15935-SACRAL-PRESSURE-ULCER-EXCISION-WITH-FLAP-CLOSURE

CPT 15935: Excision of Sacral Pressure Ulcer with Flap Closure

CPT-15936-SACRAL-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-WITH-GRAFT

CPT 15936: Excision of Sacral Pressure Sore with Skin or Muscle Graft

CPT-15937-SACRAL-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-WITH-SKIN-MUSCLE-GRAFT

CPT 15937: Sacral Pressure Sore Excision with Skin/Muscle Graft

CPT-15940-HIP-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-PRIMARY-CLOSURE

CPT 15940: Hip Pressure Sore Excision with Primary Closure

CPT-15941-PRESSURE-SORE-HIP-DEBRIDEMENT-BONE-REMOVAL-CLOSURE

CPT 15941: Excision of Hip Pressure Sore with Bone Removal and Closure

Showing 1–10 of 19

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work or complexity substantially exceeds usual for a flap closure due to extensive dissection, fibrosis, or prolonged operative time documented in the record.
`23`	Unusual anesthesia	Use when general anesthesia is required for an otherwise minor procedure because of patient condition and this is documented.
`26`	Professional component	Use when separating professional component from technical component; rarely applicable for operative procedures but used if reporting professional interpretation separate from global service.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when identical flap closures are performed on both hips during the same operative session.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when additional distinct procedures are performed at the same operative session in addition to the flap closure.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure is partially reduced or discontinued and documentation supports partial performance.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when another procedure performed at the same session is distinct and/or in a separate CMS-defined anatomical site; supports separate billing.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons, each contributing substantial work to the flap reconstruction.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use when the same surgeon repeats the procedure within the postoperative period (apply only if clinically documented).
`78`	Return to the operating room for related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when a related take-back for flap revision or hematoma evacuation occurs during the global period.
`80`	Assistant surgeon	Use when an assistant surgeon is documented as assisting with the procedure.
`81`	Minimum assistant surgeon	Use when a minimal assistant is documented.
`62`	Two surgeons	See above (included because commonly applicable to complex reconstructions).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
Data not available in the input.	Plastic Surgery	Plastic surgeons commonly perform myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flap reconstructions for pressure ulcers.
Data not available in the input.	General Surgery	General surgeons at specialty centers perform complex wound reconstructions when plastic surgery is unavailable.
Data not available in the input.	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgeons occasionally perform soft-tissue coverage procedures over bony prominences in collaboration with plastic surgery.
Data not available in the input.	Wound Care/Hyperbaric Specialists	Wound care specialists coordinate pre- and postoperative care, though they are not usually the primary flap surgeon.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`L89.152`	Pressure ulcer of left hip, stage 4	Stage 4 trochanteric pressure ulcers with full-thickness tissue loss commonly require flap reconstruction like `15944`.
`L89.153`	Pressure ulcer of left hip, unstageable	Unstageable ulcers once debrided and confirmed as full thickness may proceed to flap closure.
`L89.052`	Pressure ulcer of right hip, stage 4	Contralateral trochanteric ulcers requiring similar reconstructive approach.
`L89.053`	Pressure ulcer of right hip, unstageable	As above for unstageable ulcers after appropriate evaluation.
`E11.9`	Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications	Diabetes is a common comorbidity that affects wound healing and is frequently present in patients undergoing flap reconstruction for pressure ulcers.
`M48.06`	Spinal stenosis, lumbar region	Neurologic deficits and immobility from spinal disease can predispose to pressure ulcer formation at the hip.
`Z48.298`	Encounter for other postoperative aftercare following other orthopedic or soft tissue procedure	Used for postoperative management visits after flap reconstruction when applicable.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`11042`	Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (first 20 sq cm or less)	Commonly performed prior to flap closure to remove necrotic tissue and prepare a clean wound bed; may be billed separately if documentation supports debridement beyond that integral to the closure.
`13160`	Secondary closure of surgical wound, complicated	Used for closure of complicated wounds; may be performed if less complex closure than flap reconstruction is chosen or for layered closure of donor/recipient sites.
`15734`	Muscle, myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis	Used when a free flap with microvascular anastomosis is performed; relates to `15944` when pedicled flap is insufficient and a free flap is required.
`97605`	Negative pressure wound therapy (management of surgical wound)	Often used postoperatively for wound management prior to definitive closure or for adjunctive therapy after flap closure in complex cases.
`96365`	Intravenous infusion, therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic	Used for perioperative IV antibiotics or fluids when documented as separate infusion services during the same encounter.

CPT 15920: Sacrococcygeal Pressure Sore Debridement with Bone Excision

CPT-15922-SACROCOCCYGEAL-PRESSURE-ULCER-DEBRIDEMENT-FLAP-CLOSURE

CPT 15922: Sacrococcygeal Pressure Ulcer Debridement with Flap Closure

CPT-15931-SACRAL-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-PRIMARY-CLOSURE

CPT 15931: Excision of Sacral Pressure Sore with Primary Closure

CPT-15933-PRESSURE-SORE-AND-SACRAL-BONE-EXCISION-WITH-CLOSURE

CPT 15933: Excision of Pressure Sore and Underlying Sacral Bone with Closure

CPT-15934-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-FLAP-CLOSURE-SACRAL

CPT 15934: Excision of Sacral Pressure Sore with Flap Closure

CPT-15935-SACRAL-PRESSURE-ULCER-EXCISION-WITH-FLAP-CLOSURE

CPT 15935: Excision of Sacral Pressure Ulcer with Flap Closure

CPT-15936-SACRAL-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-WITH-GRAFT

CPT 15936: Excision of Sacral Pressure Sore with Skin or Muscle Graft

CPT-15937-SACRAL-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-WITH-SKIN-MUSCLE-GRAFT

CPT 15937: Sacral Pressure Sore Excision with Skin/Muscle Graft

CPT-15940-HIP-PRESSURE-SORE-EXCISION-PRIMARY-CLOSURE

CPT 15940: Hip Pressure Sore Excision with Primary Closure

CPT-15941-PRESSURE-SORE-HIP-DEBRIDEMENT-BONE-REMOVAL-CLOSURE

CPT 15941: Excision of Hip Pressure Sore with Bone Removal and Closure

Showing 1–10 of 19

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 15944: Hip Pressure Sore Excision with Skin Flap Closure

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Billing Code Overview

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CPT 15944: Hip Pressure Sore Excision with Skin Flap Closure

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References