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Wiki How to measure total sq cm

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MsAnna

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Can anyone tell how you get the total sq cm. For instance if the report says 4.0 cm X 3.5 cm. This is for debridgement, which leads me to part two of my question. Is the method the same for all ie debridgement, lesion removal etc.?
 
Math question answered

I'm a little confused by your question, MsAnna

The math is easy ... to find sq cm you multiply length x width.

The harder part is determining if you really need square cm or you just need length or diameter. You mention lesions .... if you are excising a lesion you measure across the widest diameter, plus smalled margin necessary for removal (physician should measure BEFORE surgery, and document this measurement in the operative/procedure note). If you are doing a tissue rearrangement, you will need the sq cm measurement of the flap and primary defect, added together; CPT tells us not to code the lesion removal separately in cases where the wound is closed via a flap.

All this information can be found by reading the guidelines in your CPT manual carefullly. Study the illustrations as well, because they provide some clarification.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Barteles, CPC, CEMC
 
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