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CPT code 15273: Skin substitute graft, large trunk or limb wound area2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Delaware

Report this code for applying a skin substitute graft to a large wound on the trunk, arm, or leg, using the applicable area threshold.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality13.4K Medicare services in 2024

In Delaware, Medicare pays $318.21 for 15273 in the office and $169.71 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$318.21Office (non-facility)
$169.71Hospital or facility
−1.2%vs the national office rate ($321.98)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 15273 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 15273 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Delaware
  2. What 15273 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 15273 covers

A clinician applies a skin substitute graft to a wound on the trunk, an arm, or a leg. This service is commonly performed by surgeons and wound-care clinicians for wounds such as chronic diabetic or venous ulcers and other wounds requiring graft coverage. The graft is applied to the wound; this code is not for harvesting a patient's own skin. The corresponding codes distinguish wound location and total treated surface area.

Choose this base code when the total wound area meets the large-area threshold for the trunk, arms, or legs. For infants and children, the area basis uses body surface area rather than the adult square-centimeter measure. Document wound location, measurements, the total area treated, and graft application. Code 15274 reports each additional area increment with this service. Medicare includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care in the 0-day global period. When multiple procedures are performed 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; assistant-at-surgery services are not paid, and 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 Delaware compares for 15273

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 15273 runs from $285.52 in Arkansas to $407.73 in San Benito County, CA. Delaware pays $318.21. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

15273 in Delaware vs other payment areas
  1. Delaware · this page$318.21
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$353.99+$35.78
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$363.83+$45.62
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$361.33+$43.12
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$350.54+$32.33
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$371.76+$53.55
  7. Alaska · Alaska$381.81+$63.60

Other areas in Delaware first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

15273 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$289.57$158.06
ArkansasArkansas$285.52$156.41
ArizonaArizona$313.19$167.55
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$334.04$169.31
Chico, CACalifornia$332.30$167.57
El Centro, CACalifornia$332.40$167.67
Fresno, CACalifornia$332.30$167.57
Hanford, CACalifornia$332.30$167.57

15273 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

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.

$285.52

$381.81

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
15273 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$381.811
AL$289.571
AR$285.521
AZ$313.191
CA$332.30–$407.7329
CO$330.811
CT$343.041
DC$363.831
DE$318.211
FL$324.16–$361.333
GA$305.72–$329.492
GU$338.941
HI$338.941
IA$293.571
ID$296.081
IL$317.34–$350.544
IN$297.661
KS$293.721
KY$299.431
LA$299.57–$313.752
MA$329.53–$360.732
MD$323.67–$363.833
ME$299.17–$312.662
MI$308.35–$329.632
MN$312.841
MO$295.59–$313.033
MS$290.531
MT$321.941
NC$301.951
ND$309.681
NE$294.681
NH$327.081
NJ$345.79–$360.552
NM$310.591
NV$318.711
NY$306.47–$382.445
OH$305.851
OK$297.321
OR$315.08–$339.302
PA$305.48–$335.712
PR$323.741
RI$328.101
SC$304.641
SD$308.231
TN$295.351
TX$303.65–$330.728
UT$308.631
VA$312.71–$363.832
VI$323.741
VT$309.881
WA$328.45–$366.422
WI$299.781
WV$306.361
WY$316.601

See 15273 in every payment locality

How the 15273 rate is calculated

Each of 15273’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 · 15273

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work3.41

3.41 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense5.61

5.61 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.62

0.62 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

9.6400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$321.98

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Delaware inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

1,514

Code
15273
Physician work
3.41
Practice expense
5.61
Malpractice
0.62

GPCI2026.csv

40

Locality
Delaware
Physician work
1.005
Practice expense
0.988
Malpractice
0.899
Office calculation for 15273 in Delaware
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work3.41× 1.0053.4270
Practice expense5.61× 0.9885.5427
Malpractice0.62× 0.8990.5574
Total RVUs9.5271
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Delaware$318.21

Office: (3.41 × 1.005 + 5.61 × 0.988 + 0.62 × 0.899) × $33.4009 = $318.21

Facility: (3.41 × 1.005 + 1.11 × 0.988 + 0.62 × 0.899) × $33.4009 = $169.71

Open 15273 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 15273

The CMS indicators that decide how 15273 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 15273

Skin substitute graft, large trunk or limb wound area

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

15273 without 51 · national office

$321.98

Skin substitute graft, large trunk or limb wound area

15273-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$160.99

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%).

When to use modifier 51

Codes related to 15273

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 15273
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Delaware
Add-on codes
15274Skin substitute, each additional 100 sq cmAdd-on code for each additional area increment beyond the base service.$85.74
Same family
15271Skin substitute graft, first 25 cm², trunk/limbsTrunk, arm, or leg skin substitute application for the smaller wound-area category.$156.30
15272Skin substitute graft, additional trunk, arm, or leg areaAdditional-area code paired with 15271 for the smaller wound-area category.$25.44
Used instead
15275Skin substitute, face and other specified sitesSkin substitute application for wounds on the face, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia.$158.82

How 15273 has changed in Delaware

15273 · Office / nonfacility

$318.21

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $24.52 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $293.69 to $318.21 (8.3%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

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

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $293.69changed to$318.21

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 3.50 changed to 3.41
    • Practice expense RVU 4.99 changed to 5.61
    • Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.62
    • Work GPCI 1.009 changed to 1.005
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.992 changed to 0.988
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.949 changed to 0.899

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $306.84changed to$293.69

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 5.12 changed to 4.99
    • Malpractice RVU 0.64 changed to 0.63

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $301.83changed to$306.84

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $316.52changed to$301.83

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 5.17 changed to 5.12
    • Malpractice RVU 0.65 changed to 0.64
    • Work GPCI 1.007 changed to 1.009
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.007 changed to 0.992
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.938 changed to 0.949

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $330.73changed to$316.52

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 5.32 changed to 5.17
    • Work GPCI 1.005 changed to 1.007
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.022 changed to 1.007
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.938

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $329.59changed to$330.73

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 5.22 changed to 5.32
    • Malpractice RVU 0.64 changed to 0.65

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $327.20changed to$329.59

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 4.80 changed to 5.22
    • Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.64
    • Work GPCI 1.006 changed to 1.005
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.021 changed to 1.022
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.023 changed to 0.927

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $321.36changed to$327.20

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 4.60 changed to 4.80
    • Work GPCI 1.007 changed to 1.006
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.019 changed to 1.021
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.119 changed to 1.023

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $315.94changed to$321.36

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 4.44 changed to 4.60
    • Malpractice RVU 0.65 changed to 0.63

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $314.04changed to$315.94

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 4.39 changed to 4.44
    • Work GPCI 1.010 changed to 1.007
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.025 changed to 1.019
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.101 changed to 1.119

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $311.10changed to$314.04

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 4.32 changed to 4.39
    • Malpractice RVU 0.64 changed to 0.65
    • Work GPCI 1.012 changed to 1.010
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.031 changed to 1.025
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.083 changed to 1.101

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $311.84changed to$311.10

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.64

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $310.29changed to$311.84

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $303.85changed to$310.29

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 4.26 changed to 4.32
    • Malpractice RVU 0.59 changed to 0.63
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.038 changed to 1.031
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.878 changed to 1.083

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $274.99changed to$303.85

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 3.95 changed to 4.26
    • Malpractice RVU 0.62 changed to 0.59
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.044 changed to 1.038
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.672 changed to 0.878

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $274.99

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$318.21$169.71RVU26D
2026-07-01$318.21$169.71RVU26C
2026-04-01$318.21$169.71RVU26B
2026-01-01$318.21$169.71RVU26A
2025-10-01$293.69$186.84RVU25D
2025-07-01$293.69$186.84RVU25C
2025-04-01$293.69$186.84RVU25B
2025-01-01$293.69$186.84RVU25A
2024-10-01$306.84$192.59RVU24D
2024-07-01$306.84$192.59RVU24C
2024-04-01$306.84$192.59RVU24B
2024-03-09$306.84$192.59RVU24AR
2024-01-01$301.83$189.44RVU24A
2023-10-01$316.52$196.40RVU23D
2023-07-01$316.52$196.40RVU23C
2023-04-01$316.52$196.40RVU23B
2023-01-01$316.52$196.40RVU23A
2022-10-01$330.73$201.64RVU22D
2022-07-01$330.73$201.64RVU22C
2022-04-01$330.73$201.64RVU22B
2022-01-01$330.73$201.64RVU22A
2021-10-01$329.59$202.99RVU21D
2021-07-01$329.59$202.99RVU21C
2021-04-01$329.59$202.99RVU21B
2021-01-01$329.59$202.99RVU21A
2020-10-01$327.20$212.60RVU20D
2020-07-01$327.20$212.60RVU20C
2020-04-01$327.20$212.60RVU20B
2020-01-01$327.20$212.60RVU20A
2019-10-01$321.36$215.22RVU19D
2019-07-01$321.36$215.22RVU19C
2019-04-01$321.36$215.22RVU19B
2019-01-01$321.36$215.22RVU19A
2018-10-01$315.94$216.53RVU18D
2018-07-01$315.94$216.53RVU18C
2018-04-01$315.94$216.53RVU18B
2018-01-01$315.94$216.53RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$314.04$215.82RVU17D
2017-07-01$314.04$215.82RVU17C
2017-04-01$314.04$215.82RVU17B
2017-01-01$314.04$215.82RVU17A
2016-10-01$311.10$214.39RVU16D
2016-07-01$311.10$214.39RVU16C
2016-04-01$311.10$214.39RVU16B
2016-01-01$311.10$214.39RVU16A
2015-10-01$311.84$215.14RVU15D
2015-07-01$311.84$215.14RVU15C
2015-04-01$310.29$214.07RVU15B
2015-01-01$310.29$214.07RVU15A
2014-10-01$303.85$208.65RVU14D
2014-07-01$303.85$208.65RVU14C
2014-04-01$303.85$208.65RVU14B
2014-01-01$303.85$208.65RVU14A
2013-10-01$274.99$191.87RVU13D
2013-07-01$274.99$191.87RVU13C
2013-04-01$274.99$191.87RVU13B
2013-01-01$274.99$191.87RVU13AR

Price 15273 for an earlier date of service

Where the Delaware rate applies

Delaware is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 79 cities and communities in Delaware. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Arden
  • Ardencroft
  • Ardentown
  • Bear
  • Bellefonte
  • Bethany Beach
  • Bethel
  • Blades

Browse all communities in Delaware

15273 billing questions

How does 15273 differ from 15271?

Both cover skin substitute graft application to the trunk, arms, or legs. Select between them based on the total wound surface area and the applicable adult or pediatric area measure.

When is 15274 reported with 15273?

Report 15274 for each additional area increment beyond the area covered by 15273. Document the total treated wound area to support the base and additional units.

Can modifier 50 be used for wounds on both legs?

No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this code. Report the service based on the treated wound area and applicable coding instructions.

Is routine same-day postoperative care separately included?

The 0-day global period includes same-day preoperative and postoperative care. The code does not establish a multi-day global period.

Can an assistant-at-surgery or co-surgeon be billed?

Medicare does not pay an assistant-at-surgery service for this code. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.

How are other procedures in the same session paid?

Under the standard multiple procedure reduction, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are paid at 50% when performed in the same session.

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
RVUs for 15273PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 1,514 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for DelawareGPCI2026.csv, line 40 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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