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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Report Dx Code for Each Decubitus Ulcer

Published on Sat Nov 17, 2007

Question: A patient reports to the ED with decubitus ulcers on her right heel and left elbow. The physician performs partial-thickness debridement on the heel and full-thickness debridement on the elbow. Can we report each debridement separately?


Montana Subscriber

Answer: Since the wounds were in different anatomical locations and required different levels of treatment, you-ll report a procedure code for each debridement. Your claim should also include a pair of diagnosis codes, one for each ulcer. On the claim, report the following codes: 11041 (Debridement; skin, full thickness) for the elbow debridement. 707.01 (Decubitus ulcer; elbow) linked to 11041 to show the location of the ulcer. 11040 (Debridement; skin, partial thickness) for the heel debridement 707.07 (Decubitus ulcer; heel) linked two 11040 to show the location of the ulcer.
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