Home
Career Stage
Medical Students Residents Attendings CPT Codes Resources Blog Support

15736 Muscle-skin graft arm

Surgery Global 90d

Also known as: muscle-skin graft arm, arm musculocutaneous

Muscle-skin composite graft applied to arm defects. Combined muscular and cutaneous tissue for upper extremity reconstruction.

In Plain Language

muscle and skin transplant to arm; composite arm tissue graft

Clinical Context

Used for complex arm and hand defects requiring muscular bulk, vascularization, and skin coverage for functional recovery.

RVU Breakdown

Work RVU16.61
Total RVU16.61

Est. Medicare Payment

$554.77

National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).

Billing & Documentation

As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.

How This Code Compares

With a work RVU of 16.61, this code ranks in the 76th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.

Specialties

Plastic SurgeryHand SurgeryReconstructive Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 15736?

CPT 15736 (Muscle-skin graft arm) is a Surgery code. Muscle-skin composite graft applied to arm defects. Combined muscular and cutaneous tissue for upper extremity reconstruction.

What is the wRVU value for CPT 15736?

The work RVU for CPT 15736 is 16.61. This code is primarily used by Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.

When is CPT 15736 used?

Used for complex arm and hand defects requiring muscular bulk, vascularization, and skin coverage for functional recovery.

Track This Code in RVU Edge

Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.