Question:
Code differences for Panni/abdominalplasty.

I was approved for proceedure 15831 but I thought a Panniculectomy was 15834. Pacificare said that 15834 is excise excessive skin removal from hips. And the 15831 is from the abdomin. Does this mean I was approved for panni and adominalplasty? Thanks!    — Robin D. (posted on August 23, 2001)

June 19, 2003
Code 15831 is the code for panniculectomy. I don't know what the other code is. I do know that the diagnosis code for panniculectomy is 729.39
   — Darlene B.

October 15, 2003
I have BCBS and there is a MAJOR difference. 15831 is the code for the abdominoplasty, which is generally not covered under my plan because it is considered "cosmetic" instead of "reconstructive" NOW...there seems to be no "different code" for a "panniculectomy" which is genarally covered as reconstructive. 15831 just staes excision excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (including lipectomy):abdomen(abdominoplasty) 15834 is hip, 15839 just states "other area" and 15877 nis "suction assisted lipectomy,trunk. Hopes this help. Also call your insurance carrier and ask them.BCBS told me that a panniculectomy is covered however wasnt sure if they had a differenct procedure code or not.
   — Miko P.