CPT code 15221: Skin graft, scalp, arm, or leg; each additional area2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in South Carolina
Reports each additional 20 square centimeters or part of full-thickness skin grafting on the scalp, arms, or legs beyond the initial area.
In South Carolina, Medicare pays $126.21 for 15221 in the office and $55.84 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 15221 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 15221 covers
This add-on represents additional recipient-site area treated with a full-thickness skin autograft on the scalp, an arm, or a leg. The graft contains the full skin thickness and is transferred to cover a defect, such as one remaining after lesion removal or injury. Plastic surgeons and other surgeons commonly perform these reconstructions in operating rooms or procedure settings. The primary graft service includes direct closure of the donor site.
Report this code with the primary graft code 15220 when the total grafted area exceeds the initial 20 square centimeters. Each additional 20 square centimeters, or any portion of that increment, supports one unit. Documentation should identify the recipient site, the full-thickness graft technique, and the total area treated so the additional area can be determined. CMS classifies this as an add-on code: it is billed only with a primary procedure and paid within that procedure’s global period.
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 South Carolina compares for 15221
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 15221 runs from $118.22 in Arkansas to $174.22 in San Benito County, CA. South Carolina pays $126.21. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- South Carolina · this page$126.21
- Los Angeles, CA · California$149.48+$23.27
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$152.54+$26.33
- Miami, FL · Florida$147.78+$21.57
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$143.30+$17.09
- Manhattan, NY · New York$154.67+$28.46
- Alaska · Alaska$156.06+$29.85
Other areas in South Carolina first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $119.97 | $53.34 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $118.22 | $52.80 |
| ArizonaArizona | $130.23 | $56.44 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $140.56 | $57.09 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $140.03 | $56.56 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $161.24 | $60.87 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $148.61 | $58.60 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $142.15 | $58.69 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $146.66 | $58.09 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $146.11 | $57.85 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $149.39 | $58.31 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $170.29 | $62.92 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $170.07 | $62.69 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $174.22 | $64.41 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $173.29 | $63.48 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $143.80 | $57.06 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $150.68 | $58.15 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $146.62 | $57.82 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $152.18 | $58.66 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $160.91 | $60.54 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $139.99 | $56.53 |
| ColoradoColorado | $138.60 | $57.58 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $142.93 | $60.91 |
| DelawareDelaware | $132.39 | $57.15 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $140.49 | $63.34 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $133.40 | $60.60 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $136.81 | $59.44 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $125.66 | $57.73 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $143.25 | $56.66 |
| IowaIowa | $122.39 | $52.70 |
| IdahoIdaho | $123.34 | $53.27 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $133.63 | $63.57 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $130.00 | $60.47 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $141.76 | $63.55 |
| IndianaIndiana | $124.04 | $53.45 |
| KansasKansas | $122.13 | $53.28 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $123.54 | $55.84 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $129.62 | $57.96 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $123.48 | $56.08 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $151.96 | $61.03 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $137.89 | $57.70 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $142.60 | $60.89 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $134.84 | $57.77 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $124.33 | $54.27 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $130.68 | $55.21 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $135.42 | $61.93 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $127.10 | $57.57 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $131.80 | $53.44 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $128.38 | $56.88 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $129.70 | $57.20 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $121.55 | $55.90 |
| MississippiMississippi | $119.89 | $54.32 |
| MontanaMontana | $133.92 | $57.77 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $125.60 | $54.54 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $129.97 | $53.82 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $122.97 | $52.68 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $136.73 | $57.46 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $150.99 | $62.66 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $144.28 | $61.12 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $127.93 | $58.10 |
| NevadaNevada | $132.91 | $56.68 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $158.87 | $68.32 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $145.49 | $62.10 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $155.48 | $65.47 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $127.53 | $55.18 |
| OhioOhio | $126.29 | $56.76 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $122.98 | $54.97 |
| Portland, OROregon | $142.67 | $58.07 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $131.60 | $55.75 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $139.55 | $60.28 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $126.31 | $56.40 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $134.81 | $57.82 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $136.87 | $58.21 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $129.50 | $53.35 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $122.79 | $53.57 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $138.39 | $57.82 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $125.50 | $56.20 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $131.98 | $56.51 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $132.98 | $57.13 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $132.19 | $57.10 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $132.48 | $56.86 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $136.14 | $60.52 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $128.78 | $56.51 |
| UtahUtah | $127.95 | $56.36 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $130.47 | $55.61 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $134.81 | $57.82 |
| VermontVermont | $129.75 | $54.36 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $137.54 | $57.35 |
| King County, WAWashington | $154.74 | $61.30 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $125.60 | $52.64 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $125.22 | $59.04 |
| WyomingWyoming | $132.20 | $56.05 |
15221 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.
$118.22
$157.11
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 | $156.06 | 1 |
| AL | $119.97 | 1 |
| AR | $118.22 | 1 |
| AZ | $130.23 | 1 |
| CA | $139.99–$174.22 | 29 |
| CO | $138.60 | 1 |
| CT | $142.93 | 1 |
| DC | $152.54 | 1 |
| DE | $132.39 | 1 |
| FL | $133.40–$147.78 | 3 |
| GA | $125.66–$136.81 | 2 |
| GU | $143.25 | 1 |
| HI | $143.25 | 1 |
| IA | $122.39 | 1 |
| ID | $123.34 | 1 |
| IL | $130.00–$143.30 | 4 |
| IN | $124.04 | 1 |
| KS | $122.13 | 1 |
| KY | $123.54 | 1 |
| LA | $123.48–$129.62 | 2 |
| MA | $137.89–$151.96 | 2 |
| MD | $134.84–$152.54 | 3 |
| ME | $124.33–$130.68 | 2 |
| MI | $127.10–$135.42 | 2 |
| MN | $131.80 | 1 |
| MO | $121.55–$129.70 | 3 |
| MS | $119.89 | 1 |
| MT | $133.92 | 1 |
| NC | $125.60 | 1 |
| ND | $129.97 | 1 |
| NE | $122.97 | 1 |
| NH | $136.73 | 1 |
| NJ | $144.28–$150.99 | 2 |
| NM | $127.93 | 1 |
| NV | $132.91 | 1 |
| NY | $127.53–$158.87 | 5 |
| OH | $126.29 | 1 |
| OK | $122.98 | 1 |
| OR | $131.60–$142.67 | 2 |
| PA | $126.31–$139.55 | 2 |
| PR | $134.81 | 1 |
| RI | $136.87 | 1 |
| SC | $126.21 | 1 |
| SD | $129.50 | 1 |
| TN | $122.79 | 1 |
| TX | $125.50–$138.39 | 8 |
| UT | $127.95 | 1 |
| VA | $130.47–$152.54 | 2 |
| VI | $134.81 | 1 |
| VT | $129.75 | 1 |
| WA | $137.54–$154.74 | 2 |
| WI | $125.60 | 1 |
| WV | $125.22 | 1 |
| WY | $132.20 | 1 |
How the 15221 rate is calculated
Each of 15221’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 · 15221
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work1.16
1.16 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense2.65
2.65 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.20
0.20 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
4.0100
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$133.94
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact South Carolina inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
1,507
- Code
- 15221
- Physician work
- 1.16
- Practice expense
- 2.65
- Malpractice
- 0.20
GPCI2026.csv
93
- Locality
- South Carolina
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.924
- Malpractice
- 0.850
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 1.16 | × 1.000 | 1.1600 |
| Practice expense | 2.65 | × 0.924 | 2.4486 |
| Malpractice | 0.20 | × 0.850 | 0.1700 |
| Total RVUs | 3.7786 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, South Carolina$126.21
Office: (1.16 × 1 + 2.65 × 0.924 + 0.2 × 0.85) × $33.4009 = $126.21
Facility: (1.16 × 1 + 0.37 × 0.924 + 0.2 × 0.85) × $33.4009 = $55.84
Payment rules and modifiers for 15221
The CMS indicators that decide how 15221 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 15221
Skin graft, scalp, arm, or leg; each additional area
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | ZZZ | Add-on code: falls within the primary procedure’s global period. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| 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. |
How 15221 has changed in South Carolina
15221 · Office / nonfacility
$126.21
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $11.00 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $115.21 to $126.21 (9.5%).
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
$115.21changed to$126.21
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 1.19 changed to 1.16
- Practice expense RVU 2.41 changed to 2.65
- Malpractice RVU 0.21 changed to 0.20
- Practice expense GPCI 0.913 changed to 0.924
- Malpractice GPCI 0.817 changed to 0.850
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$120.39changed to$115.21
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 2.47 changed to 2.41
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$118.43changed to$120.39
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$122.68changed to$118.43
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 2.51 changed to 2.47
- Malpractice RVU 0.20 changed to 0.21
- Practice expense GPCI 0.908 changed to 0.913
- Malpractice GPCI 0.756 changed to 0.817
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$125.05changed to$122.68
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 2.53 changed to 2.51
- Practice expense GPCI 0.903 changed to 0.908
- Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.756
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$128.54changed to$125.05
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 2.60 changed to 2.53
- Malpractice RVU 0.21 changed to 0.20
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$128.40changed to$128.54
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 2.48 changed to 2.60
- Malpractice RVU 0.19 changed to 0.21
- Practice expense GPCI 0.907 changed to 0.903
- Malpractice GPCI 0.624 changed to 0.695
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$128.25changed to$128.40
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 2.47 changed to 2.48
- Malpractice RVU 0.21 changed to 0.19
- Practice expense GPCI 0.912 changed to 0.907
- Malpractice GPCI 0.553 changed to 0.624
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$128.44changed to$128.25
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 2.48 changed to 2.47
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$128.66changed to$128.44
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Malpractice GPCI 0.634 changed to 0.553
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$128.96changed to$128.66
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Malpractice GPCI 0.715 changed to 0.634
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$129.76changed to$128.96
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 2.49 changed to 2.48
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$129.11changed to$129.76
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$127.45changed to$129.11
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 2.45 changed to 2.49
- Malpractice RVU 0.22 changed to 0.21
- Practice expense GPCI 0.911 changed to 0.912
- Malpractice GPCI 0.618 changed to 0.715
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$129.30changed to$127.45
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 2.74 changed to 2.45
- Malpractice RVU 0.23 changed to 0.22
- Practice expense GPCI 0.909 changed to 0.911
- Malpractice GPCI 0.520 changed to 0.618
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $129.30
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $126.21 | $55.84 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $126.21 | $55.84 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $126.21 | $55.84 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $126.21 | $55.84 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $115.21 | $63.53 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $115.21 | $63.53 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $115.21 | $63.53 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $115.21 | $63.53 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $120.39 | $65.08 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $120.39 | $65.08 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $120.39 | $65.08 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $120.39 | $65.08 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $118.43 | $64.02 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $122.68 | $65.45 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $122.68 | $65.45 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $122.68 | $65.45 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $122.68 | $65.45 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $125.05 | $65.99 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $125.05 | $65.99 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $125.05 | $65.99 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $125.05 | $65.99 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $128.54 | $66.78 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $128.54 | $66.78 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $128.54 | $66.78 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $128.54 | $66.78 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $128.40 | $68.50 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $128.40 | $68.50 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $128.40 | $68.50 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $128.40 | $68.50 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $128.25 | $68.44 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $128.25 | $68.44 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $128.25 | $68.44 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $128.25 | $68.44 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $128.44 | $68.69 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $128.44 | $68.69 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $128.44 | $68.69 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $128.44 | $68.69 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $128.66 | $69.42 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $128.66 | $69.42 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $128.66 | $69.42 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $128.66 | $69.42 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $128.96 | $69.53 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $128.96 | $69.53 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $128.96 | $69.53 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $128.96 | $69.53 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $129.76 | $69.79 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $129.76 | $69.79 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $129.11 | $69.44 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $129.11 | $69.44 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $127.45 | $69.04 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $127.45 | $69.04 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $127.45 | $69.04 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $127.45 | $69.04 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $129.30 | $66.21 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $129.30 | $66.21 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $129.30 | $66.21 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $129.30 | $66.21 | RVU13AR |
Where the South Carolina rate applies
South Carolina is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 475 cities and communities in South Carolina. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Abbeville
- Abney Crossroads
- Adams Run
- Aiken
- Alcolu
- Allendale
- Anderson
- Andrews
15221 billing questions
When is 15221 reported instead of 15220?
Use 15220 for the initial grafted area up to 20 square centimeters. Report 15221 for each additional 20 square centimeters or part of that increment.
Can 15221 be billed by itself?
No. It is an add-on code and must be billed with primary code 15220 for the qualifying full-thickness graft.
How are units determined?
Base units on the grafted area beyond the first 20 square centimeters. Each additional 20 square centimeters or fraction supports one unit.
What documentation supports the additional area?
Document the recipient-site location, that a full-thickness skin graft was performed, and the total grafted area. The recorded area should support the units billed beyond the initial area.
How does this differ from a skin substitute graft add-on?
15221 applies to additional area treated with a full-thickness skin autograft on the scalp, arms, or legs. Codes such as 15272 describe an additional area treated with a skin substitute graft.
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
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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