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CPT code 15610: Flap delay, arms or legs2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Delaware

Reports staged surgical preparation of a flap on an arm or leg to improve its blood supply before a later reconstructive transfer.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality121 Medicare services in 2024

In Delaware, Medicare pays $386.91 for 15610 in the office and $232.80 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$386.91Office (non-facility)
$232.80Hospital or facility
−1.2%vs the national office rate ($391.46)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 15610 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 15610 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Delaware
  2. What 15610 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 15610 covers

This code covers a preparatory operation on a flap intended for later reconstruction of an arm or leg. The surgeon surgically alters or partially sections the planned flap so it can develop a more reliable blood supply before transfer. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons commonly perform this staged work in an operating room when a flap is planned for coverage of a traumatic or surgical defect. The later flap transfer is a distinct reconstructive step, not the delay procedure itself.

Report 15610 when the operative record supports flap preparation on an upper or lower extremity, rather than on another anatomic site. Document the flap location, the preparatory surgical work, and its role in the planned reconstruction. The code has a 90-day global period that includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% multiple-procedure reduction. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this code. Assistant-at-surgery payment requires documented medical necessity; 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 15610

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 15610 runs from $343.02 in Arkansas to $524.49 in San Benito County, CA. Delaware pays $386.91. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

15610 in Delaware vs other payment areas
  1. Delaware · this page$386.91
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$444.15+$57.24
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$450.04+$63.13
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$425.01+$38.10
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$411.68+$24.77
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$452.77+$65.86
  7. Alaska · Alaska$445.44+$58.53

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

Every other payment area

15610 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$348.46$211.98
ArkansasArkansas$343.02$209.03
ArizonaArizona$380.29$229.14
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$415.88$244.92
Chico, CACalifornia$414.69$243.74
El Centro, CACalifornia$414.76$243.81
Fresno, CACalifornia$414.69$243.74
Hanford, CACalifornia$414.69$243.74

15610 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.

$343.02

$469.59

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

View every state and territory as a table
15610 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$445.441
AL$348.461
AR$343.021
AZ$380.291
CA$414.69–$524.4929
CO$408.271
CT$418.781
DC$450.041
DE$386.911
FL$385.52–$425.013
GA$362.26–$399.252
GU$426.001
HI$426.001
IA$357.901
ID$360.441
IL$373.67–$411.684
IN$362.691
KS$356.161
KY$357.491
LA$356.91–$375.952
MA$405.57–$450.572
MD$394.67–$450.043
ME$362.53–$383.622
MI$367.58–$390.752
MN$390.151
MO$350.35–$377.313
MS$346.761
MT$391.431
NC$366.611
ND$383.131
NE$360.001
NH$401.811
NJ$423.27–$444.832
NM$369.771
NV$389.411
NY$372.53–$464.545
OH$365.881
OK$356.741
OR$386.11–$421.962
PA$366.48–$407.752
PR$394.501
RI$401.251
SC$366.911
SD$382.141
TN$358.091
TX$363.89–$407.158
UT$372.311
VA$382.31–$450.042
VI$394.501
VT$381.581
WA$404.82–$460.022
WI$369.351
WV$358.831
WY$387.811

See 15610 in every payment locality

How the 15610 rate is calculated

Each of 15610’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 · 15610

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work2.46

2.46 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense8.84

8.84 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.42

0.42 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

11.7200

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$391.46

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

1,525

Code
15610
Physician work
2.46
Practice expense
8.84
Malpractice
0.42

GPCI2026.csv

40

Locality
Delaware
Physician work
1.005
Practice expense
0.988
Malpractice
0.899
Office calculation for 15610 in Delaware
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work2.46× 1.0052.4723
Practice expense8.84× 0.9888.7339
Malpractice0.42× 0.8990.3776
Total RVUs11.5838
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Delaware$386.91

Office: (2.46 × 1.005 + 8.84 × 0.988 + 0.42 × 0.899) × $33.4009 = $386.91

Facility: (2.46 × 1.005 + 4.17 × 0.988 + 0.42 × 0.899) × $33.4009 = $232.80

Open 15610 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 15610

15610 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.

CMS payment indicators · 15610

Flap delay, arms or legs

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period090Major surgery: the day before, the day of, and 90 days after are 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)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.
Split (54/55/56)0.10/0.71/0.19Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care.

Global surgery period · 15610

Flap delay, arms or legs

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.

  • 24Unrelated E/M visit by the same physician
  • 79Unrelated procedure (starts its own global period)
  • 58Staged, more extensive, or therapy procedure that was planned
  • 78Unplanned return to the operating room for a related complication
SurgeryVisit
Sep 23, 2026Jan 10, 2027

Pre-op dayGlobal period

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

15610 without 51 · national office

$391.46

Flap delay, arms or legs

15610-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$195.73

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 15610

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

Codes related to 15610
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Delaware
Same family
15600Flap delay, trunk siteDelay procedure for a flap on the trunk.$368.95
15620Flap delay, face, neck, hand, foot, other sitesDelay procedure for specified face, scalp, neck, axilla, genital, hand, or foot sites.$458.40
15630Flap staging, eyelid, nose, ear, or lipDelay procedure for the eye, nose, ear, or lip.$464.97

How 15610 has changed in Delaware

15610 · Office / nonfacility

$386.91

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $29.04 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $357.87 to $386.91 (8.1%).

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

    $357.87changed to$386.91

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 2.52 changed to 2.46
    • Practice expense RVU 8.14 changed to 8.84
    • Malpractice RVU 0.47 changed to 0.42
    • 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

    $367.98changed to$357.87

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 8.15 changed to 8.14
    • Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.47

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $361.97changed to$367.98

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $377.09changed to$361.97

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 8.13 changed to 8.15
    • Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.45
    • 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

    $383.35changed to$377.09

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 7.98 changed to 8.13
    • Malpractice RVU 0.42 changed to 0.43
    • 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

    $384.71changed to$383.35

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 7.92 changed to 7.98
    • Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.42

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $377.83changed to$384.71

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 7.33 changed to 7.92
    • Malpractice RVU 0.44 changed to 0.43
    • 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

    $373.54changed to$377.83

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 7.22 changed to 7.33
    • Malpractice RVU 0.42 changed to 0.44
    • 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

    $372.36changed to$373.54

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 7.21 changed to 7.22
    • Malpractice RVU 0.41 changed to 0.42

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $372.06changed to$372.36

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 7.18 changed to 7.21
    • Malpractice RVU 0.42 changed to 0.41
    • 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

    $370.44changed to$372.06

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 7.11 changed to 7.18
    • Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.42
    • 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

    $373.26changed to$370.44

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 7.15 changed to 7.11

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $371.40changed to$373.26

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $365.17changed to$371.40

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 7.00 changed to 7.15
    • 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

    $374.11changed to$365.17

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 7.80 changed to 7.00
    • Malpractice RVU 0.45 changed to 0.43
    • 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: $374.11

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$386.91$232.80RVU26D
2026-07-01$386.91$232.80RVU26C
2026-04-01$386.91$232.80RVU26B
2026-01-01$386.91$232.80RVU26A
2025-10-01$357.87$241.07RVU25D
2025-07-01$357.87$241.07RVU25C
2025-04-01$357.87$241.07RVU25B
2025-01-01$357.87$241.07RVU25A
2024-10-01$367.98$245.14RVU24D
2024-07-01$367.98$245.14RVU24C
2024-04-01$367.98$245.14RVU24B
2024-03-09$367.98$245.14RVU24AR
2024-01-01$361.97$241.14RVU24A
2023-10-01$377.09$248.79RVU23D
2023-07-01$377.09$248.79RVU23C
2023-04-01$377.09$248.79RVU23B
2023-01-01$377.09$248.79RVU23A
2022-10-01$383.35$249.66RVU22D
2022-07-01$383.35$249.66RVU22C
2022-04-01$383.35$249.66RVU22B
2022-01-01$383.35$249.66RVU22A
2021-10-01$384.71$249.91RVU21D
2021-07-01$384.71$249.91RVU21C
2021-04-01$384.71$249.91RVU21B
2021-01-01$384.71$249.91RVU21A
2020-10-01$377.83$252.55RVU20D
2020-07-01$377.83$252.55RVU20C
2020-04-01$377.83$252.55RVU20B
2020-01-01$377.83$252.55RVU20A
2019-10-01$373.54$252.35RVU19D
2019-07-01$373.54$252.35RVU19C
2019-04-01$373.54$252.35RVU19B
2019-01-01$373.54$252.35RVU19A
2018-10-01$372.36$254.24RVU18D
2018-07-01$372.36$254.24RVU18C
2018-04-01$372.36$254.24RVU18B
2018-01-01$372.36$254.24RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$372.06$255.45RVU17D
2017-07-01$372.06$255.45RVU17C
2017-04-01$372.06$255.45RVU17B
2017-01-01$372.06$255.45RVU17A
2016-10-01$370.44$253.79RVU16D
2016-07-01$370.44$253.79RVU16C
2016-04-01$370.44$253.79RVU16B
2016-01-01$370.44$253.79RVU16A
2015-10-01$373.26$255.45RVU15D
2015-07-01$373.26$255.45RVU15C
2015-04-01$371.40$254.18RVU15B
2015-01-01$371.40$254.18RVU15A
2014-10-01$365.17$249.53RVU14D
2014-07-01$365.17$249.53RVU14C
2014-04-01$365.17$249.53RVU14B
2014-01-01$365.17$249.53RVU14A
2013-10-01$374.11$250.50RVU13D
2013-07-01$374.11$250.50RVU13C
2013-04-01$374.11$250.50RVU13B
2013-01-01$374.11$250.50RVU13AR

Price 15610 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

15610 billing questions

When is 15610 selected instead of another flap-delay code?

Use 15610 for flap preparation on an arm or leg. The related delay codes distinguish other anatomic regions, including the trunk, face or neck, and eye, nose, ear, or lip.

Does 15610 report the later flap transfer?

No. It reports the preparatory delay procedure on an extremity flap; the later transfer is a separate reconstructive step.

Can modifier 50 be used when both arms or legs are treated?

No. CMS identifies bilateral adjustment as inappropriate for this code. Report the service according to the applicable coding instructions for the documented procedures.

What documentation supports reporting 15610?

The operative note should identify the extremity site, describe the surgical preparation or sectioning of the flap, and connect that work to the planned reconstruction.

How does the global period affect postoperative visits?

The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care.

When can an assistant-at-surgery be paid?

Assistant-at-surgery payment is allowed only when medical necessity is documented. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted for this 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

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 15610PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 1,525 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for DelawareGPCI2026.csv, line 40 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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