15832 excision excessive skin thigh
Also known as: thigh exc, upper leg skin removal, brachioplasty-leg
Excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the thigh, typically following massive weight loss or body contouring procedures.
In Plain Language
Surgical removal of extra skin on the thigh; Thigh skin tightening surgery; Thigh lift procedure
Clinical Context
Performed in post-bariatric body contouring when patients have significant redundant skin after weight loss. Also used for age-related skin laxity in the thigh region.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.53 |
| Total RVU | 12.53 |
Est. Medicare Payment
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 12.53, this code ranks in the 66th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 15832?
CPT 15832 (excision excessive skin thigh) is a Surgery code. Excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue from the thigh, typically following massive weight loss or body contouring procedures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 15832?
The work RVU for CPT 15832 is 12.53. This code is primarily used by Plastic Surgery, Body Contouring, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 15832 used?
Performed in post-bariatric body contouring when patients have significant redundant skin after weight loss. Also used for age-related skin laxity in the thigh region.
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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.