AMA CPT® Assistant - 1999 Issue 7 (July)
Adjacent Tissue Transfer or Rearrangement (July 1999)
July 1999 pages 3-4 Coding Communication Adjacent Tissue Transfer or Rearrangement The adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement series of codes (14000 to 14350) are used to report closure of primary or secondary integumentary defects by relocating a flap of adjacent normal, healthy tissue into a defect, including procedures such as Z-plasty, W-plasty and V-Y plasty. If a lesion is excised and an adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement is performed at the same site, excision of the lesion is not reported separately. The CPT guidelines for this series of codes includes excision (including lesion) and/or repair by adjacent tissue transfer...
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Article Overview
This CPT article explains the general scope of adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement coding and discusses how the guidance applies across different anatomical sites and defect sizes. It also covers related flap terminology, the relationship between lesion or scar excision and flap repair, and an example involving multiple procedures and modifier use. The content is intended for coders, physicians, and other billing staff who work with integumentary repair and reconstructive procedure reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Correctly identifying when adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement applies affects CPT reporting for reconstructive closures and related procedures. The article also helps distinguish flap-based repair from other closure scenarios and supports consistent documentation review.
Article Sections
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Coding Communication
An overview of the coding topic and the scope of the CPT guidance discussed in the article.
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Adjacent Tissue Transfer/Flaps
A general discussion of flap-based reconstruction concepts and how donor and recipient sites are described at a high level.
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Example 1
A brief example showing how the article frames a flap repair scenario involving a facial area.
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Example 2
A second example addressing flap repair with additional graft closure at the donor site and the related reporting context.
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Terminology Reivew
Definitions of common flap and tissue rearrangement terms used in the article, presented as a terminology review.
What You Will Learn
- The general purpose and scope of adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement reporting
- How the article frames site and defect-size considerations at a high level
- The relationship between flap repair and related excision or graft scenarios
- Common terminology used for flap and tissue rearrangement procedures
- The general context for modifier use in a multiple-procedure example
Who Should Read This
- CPT coders
- Physician practices
- Medical billers
- Reimbursement and compliance staff
- Surgical documentation reviewers
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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