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General Surgery Coding Alert

Correction:

Full- Versus Split-Thickness Graft

Published on Thu Jan 01, 2004

An example in the December 2003 General Surgery Coding Alert ("Are You Reporting 16000-16003 for All Burn Treatments?," p. 90) recommended, "the surgeon treats a patient with third-degree burn on the left arm, using anesthesia. In addition, he uses a free, full-thickness graft measuring 40 sq cm to close the wound."
 
This is incorrect: Because of the large size of the wound, the surgeon would likely choose a split- thickness graft or flap for the repair (for example, 15100, Split graft, trunk, arms, legs; first 100 sq cm or less, or one percent of body area of infants and children [except 15050]).
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