November 11, 2021

Question:
We are going to be doing laser therapy for hypertrophic burn scars.  From my understanding we will be using fractional ablative CO2 laser therapy.

Answer:
There are 2 category III codes to report this procedure, 0479T and 0480T. CPT code 0479T is reported for the first 100 cm2 or part thereof, or 1% of body surface area of infants and children and 0480T is the add-on code for each additional 100 cm2, or each additional 1% of body surface area of infants and children, or part thereof. These codes were added in 2018. If the payor does not accept Category III codes, you would report the unlisted code 17999 and submit documentation to the payor for reimbursement. It might be a good idea to check with your individual payors to see if this procedure is covered and if preauthorization is required.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/11/21.