Coding for debridement of large area

bonniebjones

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I am coding a debridement of necrotic and infected tissue down to fascia (pannus and pubis area). The total size of the area debrided was 35 cm X 10 cm. I am coding a 11043 but this just covers the first 20 sq. cm. and I am looking for the correct coding for the rest. I think it may be 11046 with a -59 modifier for each additional 20 sq. cm. but I want to be sure before I charge for 14 of those!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
You're on the right track - 11043 for the first 20 sq cm, but 11046 X 17 units for the additional 330 sq cm. No modifier is needed if this is all you're billing. If you're billing Medicare, this will likely deny as exceeding the maximum number of units, which is normal. But if your documentation supports the size, you'll just have to submit the records and it should be adjusted to pay.
 
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