Debridement Code Or An Active Code? Cpt Comes To Your Rescue

As you enter 2011, as a dermatology coder, you have a lot of CPT changes to adapt to

. So for instance you may be confused about when to select a debridement code and when to go for an active wound code. CPT 2011 comes to your rescue with revised debridement code guidelines that show you how to select between the two code groups.

Depth is the only documentation item you need to figure out the correct code. Active wound care has a 0 day global period and is for active wound care of the skin, dermis or epidermis. For deeper wound care, make use of debridement codes in the proper location.

For instance: Codes 11040 and 11041 have made an exit. The parenthetical note under the codes' deletion says, "For debridement of skin, that is., epidermis and/or dermis only, see 97597, 97598."

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

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

This time CPT includes guidelines that indicate two requirements for active wound care management. These guidelines train eyes on:

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

For more on this and for all CPT code updates affecting your dermatology practice, sign up for a medical coding guide like Supercoder.

Hint: For deeper wound care, reserve debridement codes

by: James Article

POST COMMENT

Worm Codered Removal - You Should Try This! How To Shop With Target Coupon Codes max and chloe coupon code 994LESSFORME Is The Code That Brings You Hostgator Discounts Organic Themes Discount Code Cityville Approach Guides - Cityville Cheats, Codes Or Approach? JC Penney Promo Code – Everything in One Store Great Ideas To Find A Coder 99224, 99225, 99226 Solve 'Middle Day' code confusion What Do Source Code Libraries Offer To Coders And Developers? Who Needs Morse Code In The Communication Age? Morse Code, It Could Save Your Life Navy Destroyer Saved By Morse Code