1500X Surgical Prep & 14XXX ATT Codes

Question:

Is it appropriate to bill surgical preparation codes (1500X) with adjacent tissue transfer codes (14XXX)?

Answer:

Yes. Surgical preparation codes may be reported with adjacent tissue transfer (ATT) codes when the documentation supports that a separate and medically necessary wound‑bed preparation service was performed.

The Skin Replacement Surgery subsection guidelines state that “Surgical preparation codes15002–15005 for skin replacement surgery describe the initial services required to prepare a clean and viable wound surface for placement of an autograft, flap, skin substitute graft, or for negative pressure wound therapy.”

Since the definition specifically includes flap and adjacent tissue transfer, which is classified as a flap procedure, the combination is appropriate when both services are distinctly documented and not considered inherent to the ATT itself.

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*This response is based on the best information available as of 04/02/26.