AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2026 Quarter 3; Ask the Editor
3D Printed Fat Graft Insertion into Mastectomy Defect
A plastic surgeon performs autologous fat harvesting from the abdomen and medial thighs using tumescent technique and liposuction, yielding approximately 300 cc of fat. The harvested fat is processed, and aliquots are prepared, with a portion reserved for use in a 3D printing system. The surgeon utilizes a 3D printer to fabricate structured fat graft “wafers” by combining measured aliquots of fat with thrombin. These printed graft constructs are then implanted into the right breast defect following excision of scar and elevation of skin flaps for mastectomy flap necrosis. Additional conventional fat grafting is performed to the bilateral breasts, 40 cc to the left breast and 35 cc to the right breast. How should this procedure be reported? ...
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Article Overview
The article presents a plastic surgery scenario involving fat grafting in the setting of a mastectomy defect. It addresses the general coding topics associated with the 3D-printed graft component, separately performed conventional grafting, laterality, and supporting documentation.
Why This Topic Matters
The scenario highlights coding considerations that may arise when a procedure combines a novel graft technique with conventional fat grafting.
What You Will Learn
- The coding topics raised by 3D-printed autologous fat graft constructs in breast surgery
- How the article distinguishes the 3D-printed graft component from conventional fat grafting
- The documentation considerations discussed for reporting an unlisted procedure
- intended_audiences':
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders and billing professionals
- Plastic surgeons and breast reconstruction teams
- Clinical documentation and compliance professionals
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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