CPT Code 15002: Surgical Preparation of Skin for Graft/Flap, Trunk/Arms/Legs, 100 cm² or Less

What is surgical preparation for skin grafting?

CPT code 15002 (often written as 15002 CPT code) identifies surgical preparation of a recipient site measuring 100 cm² or less on the trunk, arms, or legs before skin replacement surgery—for example, placement of an autograft, allograft, flap, or skin substitute graft.

• Key procedures performed include sharp excision of necrotic or burn eschar, meticulous hemostasis, and contouring of subcutaneous tissues or scar tissue to create a viable wound bed that will promote healing.
• Unlike routine debridement, this code covers more extensive wound preparation, often following incisional release of scar contracture or release of scar contracture to restore mobility.

 When to use CPT 15002

Use this appropriate code when a qualified health‑care professional prepares an open wound for any of the following:

• Autologous graft, xenograft, or skin substitutes (e.g., acellular dermal matrices)
• Planned flap surgery after traumatic injury or chronic ulcer
• Surgical management of multiple wounds on the same body area that together total ≤ 100 cm²

Tip for medical coding: If the patient undergoes preparation on more than 100 cm² in the same session, bill 15002 for the first 100 cm² and 15003 for each additional 100 cm².

CPT code 15002 documentation requirements

For accurate billing and compliance, include the following details in your documentation:

• Clear medical necessity for skin replacement or skin substitute graft application, including why further treatment is needed.
• The anatomic location and total area (in cm²) of the recipient site prepared.
• A detailed description of the procedures performed, such as incisional release or undermining of scar contracture.
• Wound condition before and after the surgical preparation.
• Confirmation that this preparation was done specifically to enable a skin substitute or graft.

Also, make sure to distinguish this procedure from standard debridement. CPT code 15002 specifically addresses wound preparation for skin replacement and not general cleaning or removal of dead tissue.

CPT code 15002 billing guidelines

To ensure accurate billing, follow these important coding practices:

• Report CPT code 15002 once per 100 cm² or less of wound area. Use CPT code 15003 for each additional 100 cm².
• Do not bill this code if no skin replacement, skin substitute graft, or flap surgery is planned.
• Avoid using CPT code 15002 with active skin graft application codes (e.g., 15271) on the same site unless clearly documented as a separate procedure.
• Do not report this code for debridement alone; this must be part of a surgical preparation for skin replacement surgery.
• Supplies, anesthesia, and basic wound care are considered bundled in this code.
• If the procedure involves multiple wounds or multiple procedures, make sure documentation supports each service and refer to different codes as necessary.

Other relevant CPT codes

• 15003 – Surgical prep for each additional 100 cm²

• 15271–15274 – Application of skin substitutes
• 11042–11047 – Standard debridement codes
• 15430–15431 – Bioengineered skin substitute graft codes