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CPT 40761: Abbe-Estlander Pedicle Flap for Cleft Lip and Nasal Repair
CPT code 40761 denotes an Abbe-Estlander pedicle flap procedure that transposes tissue from the lower lip to the upper lip to repair cleft lip defects and correct associated nasal deformities. This reconstructive surgery has both functional and cosmetic objectives and is commonly performed in operative settings. Nationally, accurate coding for complex facial reconstructive procedures like 40761 matters for clinical documentation, care coordination among surgical and craniofacial teams, and consistent claims processing across payers.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication summarizes common billing considerations, payer coverage patterns, typical sites of service, and clinical context that coders and revenue cycle professionals should recognize.
Readers will learn the clinical intent of the procedure, settings where the service is typically delivered, and the principal billing and policy themes that affect reimbursement and utilization. The content highlights benchmarks and policy updates where available and provides practical context for coding and documentation without making clinical recommendations.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 40761 describes an Abbe-Estlander pedicle flap procedure in which tissue from the lower lip is sectioned or dissected and transposed to the upper lip to repair a cleft lip and/or associated nasal deformity. The flap both closes the cleft defect and addresses nasal contour, contributing to functional and cosmetic restoration.
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Service type: Surgical reconstruction of the lip and nasal area using a pedicle flap
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room for reconstructive facial surgery