Orthopedic Coding Alert

Consider debridement a separate procedure from 26500 only when gross contamination requires prolonged cleansing. Documentation must support that an appreciable amount of devitalized or contaminated tissue had to be removed or carried out separately without primary closure. Report debridement for these conditions with CPT code 11040 (Debridement; skin, partial thickness) and CPT code 11044 (Debridement; skin, full thickness).If the fracture is open, it may be necessary to clean and prepare the fracture site prior to any restorative treatment and/or stabilization of the bone. The wound site may be contaminated with foreign material such as glass, dirt, grass, metal, gravel, etc. Open fracture debridement is separately reported under these circumstances and reported with CPT code 11010 (Debridement including removal of foreign material associated with open fracture[s] and/or dislocations[s]; skin and subcutaneous tissues) and CPT code 11012 (... skin and subcutaneous tissues, muscle fascia, muscle, and bone).Questions Determine Fracture Care Intent:Fracture care [...]