CPT 14302Surgery

Tis trnfr addl 30 sq cm

CPT 14302 is an add-on code for additional tissue transfer procedures covering each extra 30 square centimeters of skin/tissue beyond the primary repair. This code is used when surgeons move healthy tissue to repair larger wounds or defects that require more extensive coverage than the base procedure.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$207.99

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

3.73

PE RVU (NF)

2.04

MP RVU

0.66

Total RVU

6.43

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always bill 14302 in conjunction with a primary tissue transfer code (14000-14302); it cannot be billed as a standalone procedure
Impact: Prevents automatic denial; ensures $207.99 add-on payment is properly attributed to the primary procedure
Document precise measurements in square centimeters in the operative report, including how measurements were calculated (length × width) before tissue manipulation
Impact: Reduces audit risk and recoupment; inadequate measurement documentation is the #1 reason for payment reversal on review
Report multiple units of 14302 when total additional area exceeds 30 sq cm (e.g., 2 units for 31-60 sq cm, 3 units for 61-90 sq cm)
Impact: Each additional unit adds $207.99 to claim value; undercoding by one unit results in $207.99 revenue loss per case
Verify the anatomic site matches the primary tissue transfer code family (face/scalp/neck vs trunk/arms/legs) as mixing code families causes denials
Impact: Prevents denial requiring claim resubmission and 30-60 day payment delay
Distinguish tissue transfer from simple intermediate repair; tissue transfer involves undermining and rearrangement, not just layered closure
Impact: Tissue transfer codes reimburse significantly higher than repair codes; proper coding can increase reimbursement by $150-400 per procedure
For Medicare patients, confirm medical necessity with appropriate diagnosis codes (typically C44.x for skin malignancy, L90.5 for scar conditions, or trauma codes)
Impact: Weak diagnosis linkage triggers prepayment review; strong medical necessity documentation supports $207.99 payment per unit

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 14302 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 14302 is $207.99 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on a total RVU of 6.43 (Work RVU 3.73, PE RVU 2.04, MP RVU 0.66) multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 14302 be billed alone or does it require a primary code?

CPT 14302 cannot be billed alone; it is an add-on code that must be reported with a primary tissue transfer code from the 14000-14301 range. Billing 14302 without an appropriate primary code will result in automatic denial.

How many units of 14302 can I bill for a large tissue transfer?

You can bill multiple units of 14302 based on the total additional area beyond the primary code. Each unit represents 30 square centimeters or part thereof. For example, if the additional area is 75 square centimeters, you would bill 3 units of 14302 (at $207.99 each, totaling $623.97 in add-on reimbursement).

What is the difference between tissue transfer codes and repair codes?

Tissue transfer codes (14000-14302) involve undermining, mobilization, and rearrangement of adjacent tissue to close a defect, which is more complex than simple or intermediate repairs. Repair codes (12001-13160) involve layered closure but without significant tissue mobilization. Tissue transfer procedures reimburse at substantially higher rates due to increased surgical complexity.

What documentation is required to support billing CPT 14302?

Required documentation includes precise defect measurements in square centimeters before manipulation, description of the tissue transfer technique used, anatomic location, medical necessity justification, and clear indication that additional area beyond the primary tissue transfer code was treated. Measurements must be documented as calculated surface area (length × width).

Does CPT 14302 require modifier 51 for multiple procedures?

No, CPT 14302 is modifier 51 exempt as an add-on code. Add-on codes are not subject to multiple procedure payment reductions and should not have modifier 51 appended. However, other modifiers like 59, 22, or laterality modifiers may be appropriate depending on the clinical scenario.

What are common reasons for denial of CPT 14302 claims?

Common denials include: billing without a compatible primary tissue transfer code, insufficient documentation of defect size measurements, medical necessity not established, procedure deemed cosmetic rather than reconstructive, and incorrect anatomic site coding that doesn't match the primary code family. Detailed operative reports with precise measurements are essential to prevent denials.