CPT code 15135: Dermal autograft, specified sites, initial area2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in New Mexico
Reports initial dermal autograft coverage of specified anatomic sites, using the grafted area to select the initial service for the patient.
In New Mexico, Medicare pays $871.74 for 15135 in the office and $663.16 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 15135 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 15135 covers
Code 15135 reports placement of a dermal autograft on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, or feet. The graft comes from the patient and is used to cover a wound or defect. Plastic surgeons and burn surgeons commonly perform the procedure in an operating room for reconstructive coverage after burns, trauma, or excision.
Select this initial-area code when the documented dermal autograft at these sites reaches the first 100 sq cm, or the applicable 1% body-surface-area threshold for an infant or child. Record the graft type, recipient site, and treated area; report additional area with 15136. The 90-day global includes the day-before preoperative visit and related postoperative care through day 90. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for this service; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How New Mexico compares for 15135
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 15135 runs from $806.51 in Arkansas to $1,132.02 in San Benito County, CA. New Mexico pays $871.74. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- New Mexico · this page$871.74
- Los Angeles, CA · California$987.57+$115.83
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$1,013.94+$142.20
- Miami, FL · Florida$1,003.75+$132.01
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$976.09+$104.35
- Manhattan, NY · New York$1,035.14+$163.40
- Alaska · Alaska$1,088.64+$216.90
Other areas in New Mexico first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $817.07 | $618.04 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $806.51 | $611.12 |
| ArizonaArizona | $878.60 | $658.19 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $934.20 | $684.90 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $929.82 | $680.53 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $1,053.05 | $753.25 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $980.21 | $711.35 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $946.96 | $697.66 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $969.12 | $704.58 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $965.37 | $701.74 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $983.41 | $711.37 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $1,106.86 | $786.14 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $1,105.03 | $784.31 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $1,132.02 | $804.02 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $1,124.55 | $796.55 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $950.57 | $691.49 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $989.14 | $712.78 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $967.71 | $702.49 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $998.72 | $719.40 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $1,050.41 | $750.62 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $929.55 | $680.26 |
| ColoradoColorado | $925.30 | $683.28 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $957.59 | $712.62 |
| DelawareDelaware | $891.99 | $667.26 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $951.29 | $720.88 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $907.04 | $689.59 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $921.19 | $690.10 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $859.04 | $656.15 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $945.80 | $687.17 |
| IowaIowa | $827.53 | $619.40 |
| IdahoIdaho | $834.06 | $624.79 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $916.93 | $707.66 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $889.25 | $681.58 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $958.71 | $725.11 |
| IndianaIndiana | $838.18 | $627.32 |
| KansasKansas | $827.91 | $622.28 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $842.68 | $640.47 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $879.97 | $665.93 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $843.04 | $641.73 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $1,005.10 | $733.51 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $922.22 | $682.70 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $955.65 | $711.59 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $906.54 | $676.35 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $842.07 | $632.81 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $877.25 | $651.84 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $921.28 | $701.78 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $865.91 | $658.24 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $877.80 | $643.75 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $870.45 | $656.86 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $878.14 | $661.60 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $832.66 | $636.59 |
| MississippiMississippi | $819.53 | $623.69 |
| MontanaMontana | $901.38 | $673.92 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $849.34 | $637.12 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $869.55 | $642.09 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $830.42 | $620.47 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $914.80 | $678.02 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $1,005.95 | $742.10 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $966.03 | $717.64 |
| NevadaNevada | $893.00 | $665.31 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $1,062.91 | $792.46 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $975.36 | $726.29 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $1,037.17 | $768.32 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $861.09 | $645.00 |
| OhioOhio | $859.41 | $651.74 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $837.21 | $634.09 |
| Portland, OROregon | $947.71 | $695.00 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $883.56 | $657.01 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $938.37 | $701.58 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $858.46 | $649.65 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $906.06 | $676.10 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $918.63 | $683.66 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $856.29 | $646.11 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $865.78 | $638.32 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $832.12 | $625.36 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $924.42 | $683.77 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $853.69 | $646.70 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $888.13 | $662.72 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $895.13 | $668.58 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $890.94 | $666.67 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $891.69 | $665.82 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $921.16 | $695.29 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $871.35 | $655.49 |
| UtahUtah | $866.69 | $652.87 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $877.37 | $653.78 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $906.06 | $676.10 |
| VermontVermont | $870.04 | $644.85 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $919.20 | $679.69 |
| King County, WAWashington | $1,020.53 | $741.43 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $843.75 | $625.85 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $860.65 | $662.99 |
| WyomingWyoming | $887.51 | $660.05 |
15135 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$806.51
$1,088.64
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $1,088.64 | 1 |
| AL | $817.07 | 1 |
| AR | $806.51 | 1 |
| AZ | $878.60 | 1 |
| CA | $929.55–$1,132.02 | 29 |
| CO | $925.30 | 1 |
| CT | $957.59 | 1 |
| DC | $1,013.94 | 1 |
| DE | $891.99 | 1 |
| FL | $907.04–$1,003.75 | 3 |
| GA | $859.04–$921.19 | 2 |
| GU | $945.80 | 1 |
| HI | $945.80 | 1 |
| IA | $827.53 | 1 |
| ID | $834.06 | 1 |
| IL | $889.25–$976.09 | 4 |
| IN | $838.18 | 1 |
| KS | $827.91 | 1 |
| KY | $842.68 | 1 |
| LA | $843.04–$879.97 | 2 |
| MA | $922.22–$1,005.10 | 2 |
| MD | $906.54–$1,013.94 | 3 |
| ME | $842.07–$877.25 | 2 |
| MI | $865.91–$921.28 | 2 |
| MN | $877.80 | 1 |
| MO | $832.66–$878.14 | 3 |
| MS | $819.53 | 1 |
| MT | $901.38 | 1 |
| NC | $849.34 | 1 |
| ND | $869.55 | 1 |
| NE | $830.42 | 1 |
| NH | $914.80 | 1 |
| NJ | $966.03–$1,005.95 | 2 |
| NM | $871.74 | 1 |
| NV | $893.00 | 1 |
| NY | $861.09–$1,062.91 | 5 |
| OH | $859.41 | 1 |
| OK | $837.21 | 1 |
| OR | $883.56–$947.71 | 2 |
| PA | $858.46–$938.37 | 2 |
| PR | $906.06 | 1 |
| RI | $918.63 | 1 |
| SC | $856.29 | 1 |
| SD | $865.78 | 1 |
| TN | $832.12 | 1 |
| TX | $853.69–$924.42 | 8 |
| UT | $866.69 | 1 |
| VA | $877.37–$1,013.94 | 2 |
| VI | $906.06 | 1 |
| VT | $870.04 | 1 |
| WA | $919.20–$1,020.53 | 2 |
| WI | $843.75 | 1 |
| WV | $860.65 | 1 |
| WY | $887.51 | 1 |
How the 15135 rate is calculated
Each of 15135’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 15135
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work10.75
10.75 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense14.63
14.63 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice1.61
1.61 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
26.9900
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$901.49
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact New Mexico inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
1,496
- Code
- 15135
- Physician work
- 10.75
- Practice expense
- 14.63
- Malpractice
- 1.61
GPCI2026.csv
77
- Locality
- New Mexico
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.917
- Malpractice
- 1.201
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 10.75 | × 1.000 | 10.7500 |
| Practice expense | 14.63 | × 0.917 | 13.4157 |
| Malpractice | 1.61 | × 1.201 | 1.9336 |
| Total RVUs | 26.0993 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, New Mexico$871.74
Office: (10.75 × 1 + 14.63 × 0.917 + 1.61 × 1.201) × $33.4009 = $871.74
Facility: (10.75 × 1 + 7.82 × 0.917 + 1.61 × 1.201) × $33.4009 = $663.16
Payment rules and modifiers for 15135
15135 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.
CMS payment indicators · 15135
Dermal autograft, specified sites, initial area
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 090 | Major surgery: the day before, the day of, and 90 days after are included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
| Split (54/55/56) | 0.10/0.71/0.19 | Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care. |
Global surgery period · 15135
Dermal autograft, specified sites, initial area
90-day global period ends
Dec 30, 2026
Covers Sep 30, 2026 through Dec 30, 2026 (92 days, including the day before surgery).
Visit on Oct 31, 2026
Day 30 of the 90-day post-op period: related follow-up care is included in the surgical payment.
Pre-op dayGlobal period
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 51 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
15135 without 51 · national office
$901.49
Dermal autograft, specified sites, initial area
15135-51 · Second procedure: 50%
$450.75
When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).
How 15135 has changed in New Mexico
15135 · Office / nonfacility
$871.74
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $54.99 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $816.75 to $871.74 (6.7%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$816.75changed to$871.74
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 11.03 changed to 10.75
- Practice expense RVU 13.66 changed to 14.63
- Malpractice RVU 1.55 changed to 1.61
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.917
- Malpractice GPCI 1.172 changed to 1.201
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$840.08changed to$816.75
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 13.62 changed to 13.66
- Malpractice RVU 1.57 changed to 1.55
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$826.37changed to$840.08
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$857.07changed to$826.37
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 13.66 changed to 13.62
- Malpractice RVU 1.66 changed to 1.57
- Practice expense GPCI 0.902 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 1.169 changed to 1.172
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$861.76changed to$857.07
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 13.40 changed to 13.66
- Malpractice RVU 1.60 changed to 1.66
- Practice expense GPCI 0.896 changed to 0.902
- Malpractice GPCI 1.166 changed to 1.169
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$859.31changed to$861.76
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 13.21 changed to 13.40
- Malpractice RVU 1.51 changed to 1.60
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$873.34changed to$859.31
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 12.39 changed to 13.21
- Malpractice RVU 1.59 changed to 1.51
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.896
- Malpractice GPCI 1.207 changed to 1.166
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$863.60changed to$873.34
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 11.93 changed to 12.39
- Malpractice RVU 1.56 changed to 1.59
- Practice expense GPCI 0.921 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 1.247 changed to 1.207
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$851.71changed to$863.60
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 11.60 changed to 11.93
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$837.50changed to$851.71
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 11.40 changed to 11.60
- Malpractice RVU 1.51 changed to 1.56
- Practice expense GPCI 0.920 changed to 0.921
- Malpractice GPCI 1.204 changed to 1.247
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$837.27changed to$837.50
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 11.46 changed to 11.40
- Malpractice RVU 1.57 changed to 1.51
- Practice expense GPCI 0.919 changed to 0.920
- Malpractice GPCI 1.161 changed to 1.204
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$836.79changed to$837.27
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 11.43 changed to 11.46
- Malpractice RVU 1.51 changed to 1.57
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$832.63changed to$836.79
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$840.91changed to$832.63
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 11.44 changed to 11.43
- Malpractice RVU 1.80 changed to 1.51
- Practice expense GPCI 0.918 changed to 0.919
- Malpractice GPCI 1.079 changed to 1.161
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$854.16changed to$840.91
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 13.32 changed to 11.44
- Malpractice RVU 1.88 changed to 1.80
- Practice expense GPCI 0.916 changed to 0.918
- Malpractice GPCI 0.997 changed to 1.079
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $854.16
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $871.74 | $663.16 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $871.74 | $663.16 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $871.74 | $663.16 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $871.74 | $663.16 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $816.75 | $718.35 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $816.75 | $718.35 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $816.75 | $718.35 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $816.75 | $718.35 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $840.08 | $734.59 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $840.08 | $734.59 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $840.08 | $734.59 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $840.08 | $734.59 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $826.37 | $722.60 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $857.07 | $744.28 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $857.07 | $744.28 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $857.07 | $744.28 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $857.07 | $744.28 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $861.76 | $745.49 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $861.76 | $745.49 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $861.76 | $745.49 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $861.76 | $745.49 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $859.31 | $742.07 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $859.31 | $742.07 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $859.31 | $742.07 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $859.31 | $742.07 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $873.34 | $766.19 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $873.34 | $766.19 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $873.34 | $766.19 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $873.34 | $766.19 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $863.60 | $762.03 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $863.60 | $762.03 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $863.60 | $762.03 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $863.60 | $762.03 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $851.71 | $755.56 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $851.71 | $755.56 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $851.71 | $755.56 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $851.71 | $755.56 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $837.50 | $742.74 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $837.50 | $742.74 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $837.50 | $742.74 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $837.50 | $742.74 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $837.27 | $742.17 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $837.27 | $742.17 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $837.27 | $742.17 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $837.27 | $742.17 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $836.79 | $741.69 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $836.79 | $741.69 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $832.63 | $738.00 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $832.63 | $738.00 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $840.91 | $746.86 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $840.91 | $746.86 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $840.91 | $746.86 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $840.91 | $746.86 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $854.16 | $750.70 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $854.16 | $750.70 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $854.16 | $750.70 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $854.16 | $750.70 | RVU13AR |
Where the New Mexico rate applies
New Mexico is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 528 cities and communities in New Mexico. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Abeytas
- Abiquiu
- Acomita Lake
- Adelino
- Agua Fria
- Alamillo
- Alamo
- Alamogordo
15135 billing questions
How is 15135 distinguished from 15130?
15135 is for dermal autografting at the specified sites, such as the face, hands, or feet. Code 15130 is the initial-area dermal autograft code for the trunk, arms, or legs.
When is 15136 reported with 15135?
Report 15135 for the initial area and 15136 for qualifying additional area at the specified sites. Documentation should support the total grafted area and the additional area.
Can modifier 50 be used for bilateral grafting?
No. The CMS bilateral adjustment does not apply to 15135, and modifier 50 is inappropriate.
Does the global period include postoperative visits?
Yes. The 90-day global includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care.
Can an assistant surgeon or co-surgeon be reported?
Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for 15135. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
What supports reporting 15135 rather than a split-thickness graft code?
Document that the graft is a dermal autograft, the recipient site, and the grafted area. A split-thickness autograft is reported with a different code.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
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Fee sheets
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Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
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