CPT 15787Surgery

Abrasion lesions add-on

CPT 15787 is an add-on code for abrading (removing) additional skin lesions beyond the first one during the same session. This code cannot be billed alone and must be paired with a primary abrasion procedure code.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$29.11

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

0.33

PE RVU (NF)

0.54

MP RVU

0.03

Total RVU

0.9

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

NCCI bundling edits

Loading bundling edits…

Billing tips

Always verify the primary dermabrasion code (such as 15786) is billed first before appending 15787 for each additional lesion
Impact: Prevents automatic denial; 15787 will reject 100% of the time if billed without a primary code, resulting in $0 payment
Document the exact number and location of each additional lesion abraded to support multiple units of 15787
Impact: Each properly documented additional lesion generates $29.11 (non-facility) or $16.50 (facility); 5 additional lesions = $145.55 vs $0 if undocumented
Bill 15787 in facility settings to capture the $16.50 technical component even when global fee is reduced
Impact: Captures 56.7% of non-facility rate; failing to bill in facility setting leaves $16.50 per lesion unreimbursed
Photograph and map each lesion location pre-procedure to create audit-proof documentation for multiple units
Impact: Reduces denial rate by approximately 40-60% on claims with 3+ units of 15787; protects against downcoding during audits
Verify patient has met annual deductible before scheduling multiple-lesion abrasion procedures when possible
Impact: Improves patient payment collection rates; deductible status can affect patient responsibility on $29.11+ per lesion charges
Review NCCI edits quarterly as 15787 bundling rules change; maintain current edit lists for common pairings
Impact: Prevents 15-25% of avoidable denials related to bundling; ensures modifier 59/XS is applied only when necessary

Live Field Datano reports yet

Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.

Working with CPT 15787?

Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.

Help build the field knowledge

MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.

Related actions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 15787 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 15787 is $29.11 in non-facility settings and $16.50 in facility settings. These rates are based on 0.9 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality.

Can CPT 15787 be billed alone or does it require another code?

CPT 15787 is an add-on code and cannot be billed alone. It must be paired with a primary dermabrasion procedure code such as 15786. The primary code represents the first lesion abraded, and 15787 is used for each additional lesion treated during the same session.

How many times can I bill CPT 15787 on the same claim?

You can bill CPT 15787 multiple times on the same claim based on the actual number of additional lesions abraded beyond the first one. For example, if you abrade 5 total lesions, you would bill the primary code once and 15787 four times (units of 4). Documentation must support each additional lesion location and size.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 15787?

Common modifiers for 15787 include modifier 59 or XS for distinct procedural services on separate lesions, RT/LT for laterality when treating bilateral sites, and AS when performed by a mid-level provider under supervision. Modifier 76 may be used for repeat procedures by the same physician on the same day.

Does Medicare cover CPT 15787 for cosmetic dermabrasion procedures?

Medicare typically does not cover dermabrasion procedures performed for purely cosmetic purposes. However, 15787 is covered when medically necessary, such as for treatment of actinic keratoses, precancerous lesions, or significant scarring affecting function. An Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) should be obtained if medical necessity is questionable.

What is the RVU value for CPT code 15787?

CPT 15787 has a total RVU of 0.9 for 2025, consisting of 0.33 work RVU, 0.54 non-facility practice expense RVU (0.15 facility PE RVU), and 0.03 malpractice RVU. These values are set by CMS and published in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

What documentation is needed to bill multiple units of CPT 15787?

To bill multiple units of 15787, document the total number of lesions abraded, specific anatomic location of each additional lesion, individual lesion sizes, and the technique used. Pre-procedure photographs with marked lesions are highly recommended for three or more additional lesions to create audit-proof records and support medical necessity.