Purpose of Fat Transfer Determines Proper Code Choice
Question: Our general surgeon performed a revision of a reconstructed breast. The surgeon used a method of injecting fat into the breast while performing a revision of abdominal scars from the donor site. The abdominal scar sites were corrected by suction-assisted liposuction. The donor and the recipient were the same patient. The surgeon then used the fat harvested from the liposuction to inject back into the breast to correct a 1 cm area that contracted inward. I am using CPT® code 19380 for the reconstruction and other work done which isn't included in my question. My main question is, would it be appropriate to code 15877 for the liposuction of the abdominal that corrected the scar sites and 15771 & +15772? As the procedures were done to treat different issues, it becomes confusing. AAPC Forum Participant Answer: Based on your description, code 15771 (Grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to trunk, breasts, scalp, arms, and/or legs; 50 cc or less injectate) and, if necessary, the add-on code +15772 (…each additional 50 cc injectate, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) will be more appropriate based on documentation of the amount of fat transfer. These codes are specific to “grafting” and contouring breast deformities. CPT® code 15877 (Suction assisted lipectomy; trunk) would not be appropriate in this scenario as this is used for liposuction to get rid of fat in a certain area, which wasn’t the purpose of this procedure or the patient’s complaint. Your choice to also include CPT® code 19380 (Revision of reconstructed breast (eg, significant removal of tissue, re-advancement and/or re-inset of flaps in autologous reconstruction or significant capsular revision combined with soft tissue excision in implant-based reconstruction) does appear to be correct. Lindsey Bush, BA, MA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC
