CPT® 2018: Update How You Report Deep-Tissue and Facial Pedicle Flaps

Why This Topic Matters

Pedicle flap reporting changed in CPT® 2018, and the article helps readers understand where the updated flap categories fit within the broader surgical coding structure. It is useful for avoiding confusion between similar flap services and for recognizing when the CPT text points to related code families or separate services.

Article Sections

1. Focus Muscle Flap Coding

   Introduces the 2018 CPT changes for muscle, myocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flap reporting in the head and neck area. It also addresses related text notes and the broader anatomic-site distinctions discussed in this section.

2. Distinguish Specific Vascular Pedicle Codes

   Covers the addition of a more specific facial flap code and related clarifying notes. This section also compares the updated flap category with other, more general flap code families.

3. Review Pedicle Flap Rules

   Summarizes general pedicle flap concepts and broader reporting considerations. It discusses how the article frames pedicle flaps within related code ranges and other services that may be reported separately.