Reader Questions:
Extra Cleaning Earns Intermediate Repair
Published on Mon Jan 09, 2006
Question: Our surgeon removed extensive debris from a wound that then required a single-layer closure. Should I report this service with a code for wound repair or a code for foreign-body removal?
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: Because the doctor performed extensive removal of particulate debris, you should report an intermediate code for the repair, such as 12041 (Layer closure of wounds of neck, hands, feet and/or external genitalia; 2.5 cm or less).
Tip: CPT states that -single-layer closure of heavily contaminated wounds that have required extensive cleaning or removal of particulate matter also constitutes intermediate repair.- Payers following CPT rules recognize the extra work of the extensive cleaning and removal through more intensive and higher-valued intermediate repair codes.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
