CPT code for Laceration Repair

[ashaa]

Hello,

Laceration repair ( Repair of skin using electrocauterization)... Can anyone suggest the appropriate CPT code for this? Does this procedure qualify for a CPT code assignment?

Thanks
Asha

[amitjoshi4]

Look at the guideline in the CPT book for wound closure. Your answer lies there. I am highlightening for you in green.

12001-16036
Repair is the surgical closure of a wound. The wound may be a result of injury/trauma or it may be a surgically created defect. Repairs can be any of the following:
-Stand alone procedures
-Separately reportable services when performed with certain other procedures as in the case of excisions requiring intermediate or complex repair
-An integral part of a more complex procedure and not separately reportableRepairs are divided into three categories: simple, intermediate, and complex. They are further described by anatomic site and wound size.Simple repair is performed when the wound is superficial, e.g., involving partial or full-thickness damage to the skin and/or subcutaneous tissues. There is no significant involvement of deeper structures and only simple, one layer, primary suturing is required. This procedure includes local anesthetic and chemical or electrocauterization of wounds not closed.

Wounds closed with adhesive strips should be reported using the appropriate evaluation and management code.Intermediate repair is performed for wounds and lacerations in which one or more of the deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and non-muscle fascia are repaired in addition to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Single-layer closure can also be coded as an intermediate repair if the wound is heavily contaminated and requires extensive cleaning or removal of particulate matter.

Complex repair includes repair of wounds requiring more than layered closure. Wounds coded from this category include those requiring revision, debridement, extensive undermining, and placement of stents or retention sutures. Complex repairs also include those requiring creation of a defect (e.g., extending excision) and special preparation of the site.The following rules should be followed when reporting repairs:
-Measure the length of the repaired wound or wounds and report in centimeters. A centimeter is 0.39 inches.
-Add together the lengths of multiple wounds in the same classification and report as a single item. For example, a simple repair of a 2-centimeter scalp wound and a simple repair of a 1.5-centimeter wound of the forearm would be reported with a single code. 12002 Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet); 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm This procedure is coded with a single procedure code because both wounds are classified as simple and both are in the same group of simple repairs (12001-12007). Total length of the two wounds is 3.5 centimeters so 12002 is reported.
-Wounds in more than one classification should be listed separately with the more complicated service listed as the primary procedure and the less complicated listed as the secondary procedure with modifier 51 Multiple procedures appended.
-Decontamination and debridement are considered integral to wound repair except when gross contamination requires prolonged cleansing or when appreciable amounts of devitalized contaminated tissue must be removed.
-Repair of nerves, blood vessels, and tendons should be reported under the appropriate system. Repair of associated skin wounds is considered integral to the repair of nerves, blood vessels, and tendons and is not reported separately unless the wound repair qualifies as complex. In these instances report the complex repair code.
-Simple exploration of nerves, blood vessels, and tendons exposed in an open wound is considered integral to the repair and should not be reported separately.
-Wounds resulting from penetrating trauma that require exploration, enlargement, extension, dissection, removal of foreign body, and/or ligation or coagulation of minor blood vessels of subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia, or muscle should be reported with 20100-20103 as indicated.

Thank You

[VelshAS]

Could you give more insight on chemicals that can be used for simple repairs? Are these special brands of supplies that qualify for it?
Also the highlighten line in green said "anesthesia AND chemical or electrocaterication." Just want to make sure that both hve to be done in order to qualify for the procedure, right?