CPT 14060Surgery

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CPT 14060 covers a specialized surgical procedure where a surgeon moves healthy skin from an adjacent area to repair a defect on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, or limbs when the area being repaired is 10 square centimeters or smaller.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$751.73

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

9.23

PE RVU (NF)

12.89

MP RVU

1.12

Total RVU

23.24

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Document defect size in square centimeters with precise measurements in two dimensions (length × width) in operative report before any undermining or tissue manipulation
Impact: Critical for code selection; 14060 covers ≤10 sq cm while 14061 covers 10.1-30 sq cm at $1,127.60 - improper measurement can cost $375.87 per claim
Bill 14060 separately from excision codes (11440-11446, 11640-11646) as they represent distinct services when tissue transfer is required to close the defect
Impact: Unbundling these codes recovers $751.73 that would be lost if only excision is reported; append modifier 59 if bundling edit applies
Specify the flap type and technique (rotation, advancement, rhomboid, Z-plasty, etc.) in documentation to justify complexity and differentiate from simple layered closure (12000 series)
Impact: Prevents downcoding to intermediate repair codes which pay $140-$280 versus $751.73 for tissue transfer - potential loss of $470-$610 per procedure
For same-day Mohs surgery and reconstruction, ensure separate documentation by the reconstructive surgeon or clear handoff note to support independent decision-making
Impact: Some payers require different providers or detailed separate documentation; prevents denial of entire $751.73 claim
When performing multiple tissue transfers, report the largest/most complex first without modifier, then append modifier 51 to subsequent codes
Impact: Maximizes reimbursement by receiving 100% of $751.73 for primary procedure versus 50% if incorrectly sequenced
Verify non-facility versus facility status with your billing location; the $100.92 differential ($751.73 vs $650.81) depends on proper place of service coding

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 14060 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 14060 is $751.73 in non-facility settings (such as office-based surgical suites) and $650.81 in facility settings (such as hospital outpatient departments or ASCs). Actual payment may vary by geographic location based on locality adjustments.

Can CPT 14060 be billed with excision codes on the same day?

Yes, CPT 14060 can be billed separately from excision codes (such as 11440-11446 for benign lesions or 11640-11646 for malignant lesions) when the tissue transfer is required to close the defect created by the excision. You may need to append modifier 59 to indicate a distinct procedural service if NCCI edits apply. Documentation must clearly show the defect size necessitated adjacent tissue transfer beyond simple undermining.

How do you calculate the defect size for CPT 14060?

Measure the defect in two dimensions (length and width in centimeters) and multiply them to get square centimeters. The measurement should be taken after excision but before any undermining or tissue manipulation. CPT 14060 is used for defects 10.0 square centimeters or less; defects 10.1-30.0 sq cm require CPT 14061. Always document precise measurements in the operative report.

What is the difference between CPT 14060 and intermediate repair codes?

CPT 14060 represents adjacent tissue transfer/rearrangement requiring flap design, significant undermining, and tissue advancement or rotation, while intermediate repair codes (12031-12057) describe layered closure of wounds without tissue rearrangement. Tissue transfer involves moving tissue from an adjacent area with intentional flap design (rotation, advancement, Z-plasty, etc.), whereas intermediate repair simply closes the existing wound edges in layers. The reimbursement difference is substantial: 14060 pays $751.73 versus $140-$280 for intermediate repairs.

What anatomic locations are covered by CPT 14060?

CPT 14060 covers tissue transfers on the eyelids, nose, ears, lips, face, scalp, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, and feet when the defect is 10 sq cm or less. For tissue transfers on the trunk, arms, or legs, different codes apply (14000-14001 for trunk/arms/legs). The anatomic location must be documented in the operative report to support code selection.

How many RVUs is CPT 14060 worth in 2025?

CPT 14060 has 23.24 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 9.23 work RVUs, 12.89 non-facility practice expense RVUs (9.77 facility PE RVUs), and 1.12 malpractice RVUs. The high work RVU value reflects the complexity and time required for adjacent tissue transfer procedures.

Can CPT 14060 be billed bilaterally?

Yes, CPT 14060 can be billed bilaterally when tissue transfers are performed on both sides of the body (such as both ears or both sides of the nose). Report the code twice with modifiers LT (left) and RT (right), or report once with modifier 50 (bilateral) depending on payer preference. Be aware that the second side may be reimbursed at 50% or 100% depending on individual payer policies. Documentation must support separate defects requiring independent tissue transfers.