T86.82 Complications of skin graft (allograft) (autograft)

ICD-10-CM T86.82: Complications of skin graft (allograft) (autograft)

ICD-10-CM code T86.82 designates a pathologic function representing complications of skin grafts, specifically including both allografts and autografts. Skin grafting utilizes tissue from the patient or donors to cover wounds, and clinical literature identifies various cosmetic and structural issues that can arise following these procedures. 6 1 2

Plain-language overview

ICD-10-CM concept T86.82 is categorized as a pathologic function and its official label denotes complications of skin grafts, explicitly encompassing both allografts and autografts. 6

What this code represents

The official display label for code T86.82 is Complications of skin graft (allograft) (autograft), and this specific concept is listed as having zero child concepts in the semantic hierarchy. 4 6

Clinical context

Skin grafting is a treatment method utilized to decrease the area of chronic leg ulcers or heal them completely, and autografts are permanent covers using skin from different parts of the individual's body. 2 3

Autografts are harvested from the patient, allografts come from cadaveric donors, and xenografts are derived from animal tissue, with allografts serving as temporary biological dressings for complicated wounds. 1

Documentation considerations

Medicolegal issues in skin grafting involve ensuring informed consent, adhering to the standard of care, accurately documenting the procedure, and respecting patient rights to avoid liability for complications such as infection or graft failure. 1

Long-term cosmetic complications associated with skin grafts include color and texture mismatch with the surrounding skin, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged erythema. 2

Coverage and utilization context

Payer guidelines indicate that repeated application of a skin substitute graft after twelve weeks could result in claim denials or initiate a request for records and complex medical review. 5

What the sources add

While the EVS Explore source defines the semantic type and hierarchical structure of code T86.82, the clinical literature provides the practical context by detailing the types of tissue grafts and their associated complications. 6 1 2

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sources establish operational coverage parameters for skin substitute grafts, whereas the National Center for Biotechnology Information source explains the biological origins and medicolegal documentation aspects of the procedures. 3 5 1

Sources

1. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
2. Skin grafting for the treatment of chronic leg ulcers – a systematic review in evidence‐based medicine — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
3. LCD - Application of Bioengineered Skin Substitutes to Lower Extremity Chronic Non-Healing Wounds (L35041) — cms.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
4. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
5. LCD - Application of Skin Substitute Grafts for Treatment of DFU and VLU of Lower Extremities (L36377) — cms.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
6. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.