AMA CPT® Assistant - 1996 Issue 8 (August)
Integumentary, 15200, 19350 (Q&A) (August 1996)
August 1996 page 11 Coding Consultation Integumentary, 15200, 19350 (Q&A) Question When a reduction mammaplasty is performed should I code the removal and grafting of the nipple/areolar complex separately? AMA Comment Because grafting or reconstruction of the nipple/areolar complex is not routinely part of a reduction mammaplasty, this service is coded in addition to the mammaplasty. To report this service, use either code 19350 or 15200 with the -51 modifier, depending on the procedure performed. Integumentary, 15200, 19350 (Q&A). CPT® Assistant. 1996; August 1996 page 11 ...
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Article Overview
This short AMA CPT Assistant Q&A addresses integumentary coding guidance for a breast surgery scenario and explains the general reporting relationship between a mammaplasty procedure and an additional grafting or reconstruction service. It is intended for coders, billers, and reimbursement staff who need to determine whether a separate service should be considered alongside the primary procedure. The article is limited to a narrow coding question and references CPT terminology and a modifier.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coding professionals recognize when a related service may be reported separately in the context of a reconstructive breast procedure, reducing the risk of incomplete or inconsistent claim reporting.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s coding topic and clinical context
- How the discussion relates a primary breast procedure to an additional reconstructive service
- Which CPT-related identifiers are mentioned in the consultation
- The role of modifier reporting in this Q&A context
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle teams
- Plastic surgery and general surgery practices
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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