A complex wound repair code includes the repair of a wound requiring more than a layered closure (e.g., scar revision or debridement), extensive undermining, stents, or retention sutures. It may also include debridement and repair of complicated lacerations or avulsions.
Does intermediate repair include debridement?
The guidelines for intermediate and complex repair indicate that
a simple repair with extensive cleaning or debridement is reported
using the intermediate repair codes. The guidelines also indicate that an intermediate repair involving extensive cleaning or debridement is reported with the complex repair codes.
Is suture removal included in laceration repair?
Follow-up suture
removal is included in the laceration repair fee
, but can be billed if the repair was performed elsewhere, such as in the emergency department.
How do you bill a laceration repair?
- 12001-12007 for simple repair to scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities (including hands and feet)
- G0168 for wound closure using tissue adhesive only when the claim is being billed to Medicare.
What is considered a complex laceration repair?
Complex repairs were defined as
layered closure plus scar revision, debridement
, extensive undermining, or use of stents or retention sutures and preparation for the repair that could include creation of a limited defect or the debridement of complicated lacerations or avulsions.
What are the three types of suture repairs?
Simple laceration repair includes superficial, single-layer closures with local anesthesia
; intermediate laceration repair includes multiple-layer closures or extensive cleaning; and complex laceration repair includes multiple-layer closures, debridement, and other wound preparation (e.g., undermining of skin for …
What is laceration repair?
Definition. A laceration is a tear or cut in the skin, tissue, and/or muscle. They can vary in length, depth, and width. A laceration repair is
the act of cleaning, preparing, and closing the wound
.
What is the global period for laceration repair?
Although most minor surgical procedures (e.g., laceration repairs, skin tag removals) have a
10-day
global period, it is important that providers and coders verify that information.
What is a 51 modifier?
Modifier 51
Multiple Procedures
indicates that multiple procedures were performed at the same session. It applies to: Different procedures performed at the same session. A single procedure performed multiple times at different sites. A single procedure performed multiple times at the same site.
How do you code multiple laceration repairs?
The length of multiple lacerations of the same type and defined as the same anatomic location are summed and reported with a single CPT code. For multiple lacerations of either different types or defined as different anatomic locations, report a code for each laceration.
Is closure included in debridement?
As stated in the CPT manual, debridement may be reported separately when one of the following occurs: prolonged cleansing, appreciable amounts of devitalized tissue are removed and/or debridement is
carried out without immediate primary closure
.
What is a complex wound?
Complex wound is the term used more recently to
group those well-known difficult wounds
, either chronic or acute, that challenge medical and nursing teams. They defy cure using conventional and simple “dressings” therapy and currently have a major socioeconomic impact.
When coding wound repair There are 3 factors that must be considered?
When coding for wound repair (closure), you must search the clinical documentation to determine three things:
The complexity of the repair (simple, intermediate, or complex) The anatomic location of the wounds closed
.
The length, in centimeters, of the wound closed
.
How many hours after laceration can you suture?
Most wounds that require closure should be stitched, stapled, or closed with skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches) within
6 to 8 hours
after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury.
Why are staples better than stitches?
In general, staples offer a few advantages over stitches, including: Quick placement:
Stapling is about three to four times faster than traditional suturing
. Fewer Infections: Stapling is associated with lower tissue reaction and a lower risk of infection when compared to stitches.
Is laceration repair a sterile procedure?
No significant differences were found in the rate of healing or in the incidence of complications. It was concluded that
full sterile technique is not needed to repair simple skin lacerations
, and that to suture the lacerations using a surgically clean technique would save both time and money.
