CPT^® 11042, Under Debridement Procedures on the Skin

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code 11042 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Debridement Procedures on the Skin.

Additional/Related Information

Tabs

Summary

The provider uses surgical instruments to remove the dead tissue in skin down to the subcutaneous layer and including the epidermis and dermis, up to the first 20 cm2.

For clinical responsibility, terminology, tips and additional info
start codify free trial.

View any code changes for 2025 as well as historical information on code creation and revision.

Crosswalks

Tabs

Combat the #1 denial reason - mismatched CPT-ICD-9 codes - with top Medicare carrier and private payer accepted diagnoses for the chosen CPT® code.

View the CPT® code's corresponding procedural code and DRG. In a click, check the DRG's IPPS allowable, length of stay, and more. To plug inpatient facility revenue drains, subscribe to DRG Coder today.

Crosswalk to an anesthesia code and its base units, and calculate payments in a snap! Subscribe to Anesthesia Coder today.

View matching HCPCS Level II codes and their definitions.

Forum

Have a question about CPT Code 11042 ? Start a discussion here

Irrigation of incisional ulcer , foot

[QUOTE="Orthocoderpgu, post: 515301, member: 29238"] 11042 is not the correct code for this surgical procedure. Excisional debridement was not performed or at least documented. There is a lot work tha... [ Read More ]

Irrigation of incisional ulcer , foot

I have in my notes to "Use 11042-11047 when the only procedure performed is wound debridement. If a wound is debrided and closed, use the repair codes. Use these codes for foot ulcers and vascular ulc... [ Read More ]

Irrigation of incisional ulcer , foot

[QUOTE="RebeccaMoney, post: 515297, member: 11362"] I appreciate your input and agree with you. Thank you, [/QUOTE] 11042 is not the correct code for this surgical procedure. Excisional debridement wa... [ Read More ]

Irrigation of incisional ulcer , foot

[QUOTE="hannahevola, post: 515237, member: 590586"] I think it should just be code 11042 since debridement was of subcutaneous tissue. [/QUOTE] I appreciate your input and agree with you. Thank you,... [ Read More ]

Irrigation of incisional ulcer , foot

I think it should just be code 11042 since debridement was of subcutaneous tissue.... [ Read More ]

Sinus Tract excision - wrist

Can someone help me with both CPT and ICD10 on the attached op note? My physician gave me CPT 11420 but I can't believe that is correct. I'm looking at 11042 with diagnosis T81.89XA. Any help is muc... [ Read More ]

Debridement "Down To"

My vote would be 11042. Per the documentation your provider "arrived at" the muscle, but did not necessarily debride it.... [ Read More ]

Debridement "Down To" debridement

Hello, How are you guys coding debridements when the documentation states "down to"? [I]Findings: Frankly necrotic tissue extending along the left buttock with tunneling down to the level of the mus... [ Read More ]

Modifier 79 guidelines

[QUOTE="Lunap99, post: 511050, member: 448266"] Can you use modifier 79 on 0 global day procedures or is it only used on major procedures. My doctor performed an amputation procedure on the foot then... [ Read More ]

View All