Is 97597 Appropriate for Selective Mechanical Debridement?
Question: Physician’s op note states “Mechanical debridement of biofilm to the level of subcutaneous tissue with a Vashe-soaked debrilolly and dried well.” The wound size is documented as 2 cm x 4 cm. What CPT® code should I report? Kansas Subscriber Answer: Assign 97597 (Debridement (eg, high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps), open wound, (eg, fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, biofilm), including topical application(s), wound assessment, use of a whirlpool, when performed and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session, total wound(s) surface area; first 20 sq cm or less) to report this procedure. The provider mentions using a Vashe-soaked debrilolly, but that is still considered selective mechanical debridement rather than non-selective debridement. They also specifically mention removing devitalized tissue and biofilm, and the wound is 8 sq cm. All of these factors line up with 97597’s descriptor. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
