CPT 2011 Provides Revised Debridement Code Guidelines

CPT 2011 Provides Revised Debridement Code Guidelines

Not sure when to go for a debridement code and an active wound code? Well, the latest CPT comes to your rescue with revised debridement code guidelines that explain how to choose between the two code groups.

According to Chad Rubin, MD, FACS, American College of Surgeons AMA Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) Alternate Member with Albert E. Bothe, Jr. MD, FACS, American College of Surgeons, AMA CPT Editorial Panel Member, ""Depth is the only documentation item you need to determine the proper code."

Active wound care (which has a 0 day global period) is for active wound care of the skin, dermis, or epidermis. For deeper wound care, go for debridement codes in the proper location.

For instance: Codes 11040 and 11041 have been shown the door this time. The parenthetical note under the codes' deletion reads, "For debridement of skin, i.e., epidermis and/or dermis only, see 97597, 97598."

The codes are then revised to mirror the change. For example, 11042 removes "Skin, and" and adds after subcutaneous tissue "includes epidermis and dermis, if performed."

Code 97597's revision involves "mainly rewording to make clear how active wound care is separate from integumentary wound care."

The latest CPT code set includes guidelines that indicate two requirements for active wound care management. These guidelines focus on:

Intent: "Active wound care procedures are performed to remove devitalized and/or necrotic tissue and promote healing."

For further information on when to choose a debridement code and an active wound code as well as on the latest CPT changes, sign up for a medical coding guide like Supercoder!

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