November 29, 2018

Question:
What code should we use for a chemical peel of less than the entire face?

Answer:
CPT codes 15788 (Chemical peel, facial; epidermis) and 15789 (Chemical peel, facial; dermis) are reported for peels of the entire face.  There is no code for less than the entire face.  When a chemical peel is performed on less than the entire face, the appropriate code (15788 or 15789) should be reported with a modifier 52.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/29/18.