Question:
Panniculectomy Procedure codes??

Does anyone know what codes 15831 & 15839 stand for? My insurance has tentatively approved 15831 as medically necessary, but denied 15839 as cosmetic.    — Martha L. (posted on July 7, 2004)

July 7, 2004
hello i just wanted to give you the answer to your question code 15831 means excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue including lipectomy which means abdominoplasty.15839 means any other area
   — TASHA J.

July 8, 2004
I happen to be a coder and have access to code books. Here are the definitions of those 2 codes: 15831 Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (including lipectomy); abdomen (abdominoplasty) 15839 Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (including lipectomy); other area (This is probably denied because it is considered unknown area.) Thanks! Ronda
   — Ronda B.