CPT 15200Surgery

Fth/gft fr trnk 20 sq cm/<

CPT 15200 covers taking a full-thickness skin graft from the trunk (chest, abdomen, or back) measuring up to 20 square centimeters to repair a wound elsewhere on the body. This is harvesting the donor tissue, not placing it on the recipient site.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$819.34

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

9.15

PE RVU (NF)

14.6

MP RVU

1.58

Total RVU

25.33

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always bill recipient site graft application separately (15100, 15240-15241, etc.) as 15200 only covers donor site harvesting
Impact: Failing to bill recipient site results in 50-70% revenue loss; recipient codes typically reimburse $400-$1,200 additionally
Measure and document exact graft dimensions in operative note; size determines code selection between 15200 (up to 20 sq cm) and 15201 (each additional 20 sq cm)
Impact: Grafts over 20 sq cm require add-on code 15201 ($260.87 additional); underdocumentation costs $260+ per additional 20 sq cm
Submit claims with modifier 51 when performed with other procedures to prevent automatic denials, ensuring proper multiple procedure reduction
Impact: Prevents 100% denials; ensures predictable 50% payment as secondary procedure rather than full denial
Document donor site closure method (primary closure vs. healing by secondary intention vs. STSG to donor site) to support medical necessity
Impact: Reduces audit risk and supports full reimbursement; missing closure documentation triggers 15-20% of post-payment audits
Bill facility vs. non-facility based on actual site of service; $160.12 difference between settings
Impact: Incorrect place of service causes $160.12 underpayment or overpayment with recoupment risk
For Medicare, verify global period (090 days) and avoid billing E/M services during routine follow-up without modifier 24
Impact: Inappropriate E/M billing during global period results in 100% denial; proper modifier 24 use recovers $75-$200 for unrelated visits

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 15200 in 2025?

Medicare pays $819.34 for CPT 15200 in non-facility settings and $659.22 in facility settings based on the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule. Actual payment may vary by geographic location and MAC.

Does CPT 15200 include both harvesting and placing the skin graft?

No, CPT 15200 only covers harvesting the graft from the donor site on the trunk. The recipient site where the graft is placed requires separate codes from the 15100, 15120, or 15240-15261 series depending on graft type and location.

How many RVUs is CPT code 15200 worth?

CPT 15200 has 25.33 total RVUs for 2025, consisting of 9.15 work RVUs, 14.6 non-facility PE RVUs (9.65 facility PE RVUs), and 1.58 malpractice RVUs.

What is the difference between CPT 15200 and 15201?

CPT 15200 covers the first 20 square centimeters or less of full-thickness graft harvested from the trunk. CPT 15201 is an add-on code for each additional 20 square centimeters beyond the first, billed in addition to 15200 for larger grafts.

Can I bill CPT 15200 and a complex repair code on the same day?

Yes, but only if they represent distinct procedures at different anatomic sites. The donor site (15200) is typically the trunk, while complex repair would be at the recipient defect site. Use modifier 59 and document both sites clearly to prevent bundling denials.

What documentation is needed to support billing CPT 15200?

You must document the exact donor site location on trunk, precise graft measurements in square centimeters, full-thickness designation, donor site closure method, and medical necessity for the graft. Operative notes should include recipient site location and reason for grafting.

Does CPT 15200 have a global period for Medicare billing?

Yes, CPT 15200 has a 90-day global period. All routine postoperative care during these 90 days is included in the reimbursement. E/M services during this period require modifier 24 for unrelated problems or modifier 25 if decided on surgery same day as E/M.