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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesCPT cpt-16028-skin-graft-procedure
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    CPT 16028: Application of Tissue Adhesive for Skin Graft

    CPT code 16028 describes the application of biologic or synthetic tissue adhesive used to secure a skin graft or tissue substitute during a surgical procedure; the service is a surgical adjunct typically performed in an operating room or procedure suite as part of graft placement and wound closure.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult or pediatric individual presenting to an outpatient dermatology or general surgery clinic with one or more benign epidermal lesions (eg, warts, molluscum contagiosum, benign keratoses) or selected small cutaneous neoplasms for which a chemical destruction method is appropriate. The provider evaluates lesion(s), documents size, location, number, prior treatments, and patient consent for topical chemical destruction. The clinician prepares the site, applies the appropriate chemical agent (commonly liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or podophyllin/ trichloroacetic acid depending on the lesion and coding context), monitors the reaction, provides wound care instructions, and schedules follow-up for healing and assessment. Typical site of service is an outpatient clinic, dermatology office, or ambulatory surgery center for larger or multiple lesions requiring extended application time. The procedure is brief, often completed during the same visit, and may be billed per lesion depending on the agent and CPT guidance for code 16028.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    17000Destruction of premalignant lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses); up to 14 lesionsAlternative for multiple superficial premalignant lesions; selected when cryotherapy for multiple lesions meets that code's definition
    17003Destruction of premalignant lesions; 15 or more lesionsUsed when a large number of premalignant lesions are treated in the same session instead of per-lesion coding
    11055Paring or cutting of benign hyperkeratotic lesion (eg, corn, callus); single lesionPerformed when paring is necessary prior to or instead of chemical destruction
    11300Shaving of benign skin lesion; trunk, arms, legs; single lesionSurgical removal alternative when lesion requires excision rather than chemical destruction
    11720Debridement of nail(s) (partial or complete) for fungal or dystrophic nailsMay be performed in conjunction when nail bed lesions or hyperkeratosis are present
    20550Injection(s); single tendon sheath, or ligament; for example, trigger fingerOften performed in the same clinic visit for other hand lesions or concurrent conditions

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    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…
    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…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207N00000XDermatology PhysicianA dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genital…
    208000000XPediatrics PhysicianA pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
    207Q00000XFamily Medicine PhysicianFamily Medicine is the medical specialty which is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family. It is the specialty in breadt…
    208D00000XGeneral Practice PhysicianA physician who specializes in the general practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    261QS1000XStudent Health Clinic/CenterAmbulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    1744R1102XResearch Study SpecialistOther Service Providers · Specialist
    207PP0204XPediatric Emergency Medicine (Emergency Medicine) PhysicianPediatric Emergency Medicine is a clinical subspecialty that focuses on the care of the acutely ill or injured child in the setting of an emergency de…

    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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