Find comprehensive information on panniculectomy diagnosis, including CPT and ICD-10 codes, medical necessity guidelines, documentation requirements for insurance reimbursement, postoperative care, and potential complications. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on accurately coding and documenting panniculectomy procedures, ensuring proper clinical care and billing practices. Learn about pannus resection, abdominal panniculectomy, and the difference between panniculectomy and abdominoplasty for optimal patient outcomes and accurate medical recordkeeping.
Also known as
Other specified localized adiposity
This code captures panniculus when not otherwise specified.
Morbid (severe) obesity due to excess calories
Often associated with panniculus formation, requiring panniculectomy.
Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue
May be used for panniculitis or complications related to panniculus.
Encounter for prophylactic surgery for risk factors related to personal history
Can be used if panniculectomy is performed preventatively due to skin conditions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is panniculectomy for morbid obesity?
Yes
Is it due to morbid obesity with lipodystrophy?
No
Is there associated dermochalasis?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Removal of excess abdominal skin |
| Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) |
| Liposuction of abdomen |
Insufficient documentation linking panniculectomy to functional impairment, not just cosmetic concern, posing denial risk.
Incorrect CPT code selection failing to capture excision weight or associated procedures like umbilicoplasty, impacting reimbursement.
Lack of clear documentation of coexisting conditions like infections or hernias impacting accurate risk adjustment and coding.
Patient presents for evaluation of panniculus, abdominal pannus, or apron of excess skin and subcutaneous tissue. The patient reports functional impairment, including difficulty with hygiene, mobility, and exercise, exacerbated by intertrigo, panniculitis, or recurrent infections in the abdominal skinfolds. Symptoms may include chafing, pain, and odor. The panniculus is assessed and measured, noting its size, weight, and impact on body mechanics. Differential diagnoses considered include abdominal lipoma, large ventral hernia, and morbid obesity. Preoperative assessment for panniculectomy includes evaluation of overall health status, BMI, comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, and smoking history. Risks and benefits of panniculectomy, including potential complications such as infection, seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, and delayed healing, were discussed. The patient understands the procedure will address excess skin and subcutaneous tissue but is not a weight-loss procedure, though it may facilitate weight loss postoperatively. The treatment plan includes panniculectomy with possible abdominoplasty depending on abdominal wall laxity. Postoperative care instructions, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions, will be provided. ICD-10 code E66.9 (Overweight and obesity) and CPT codes 15830 (panniculectomy, abdominal apron; excision only) or 15839 (panniculectomy with abdominoplasty including umbilical transposition) are anticipated depending on the final surgical plan. Photographs of the pannus are taken and documented in the medical record for pre- and postoperative comparison. The patient is scheduled for a preoperative surgical consultation and clearance.