October 5, 2017

Question:
I billed 15770 (Graft; derma-fat-fascia) for an abdominal fat graft.  After reviewing my operative report, the insurance company denied the code saying it was wrong.  What code should I use?

Answer:
CPT 15770 is a composite graft meaning more all layers – dermis, fat and fascia – are used to repair a defect. In your situation, you used only one layer – fat. Therefore, the correct code is 20926, Tissue grafts, other (eg, paratenon, fat, dermis).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/05/17.