Using the New Wound Exploration Codes (June 1996)

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand the historical CPT context for trauma wound exploration reporting and the distinctions the article draws among different injury patterns and associated procedures.

Article Sections

1. June 1996 pages 7-8

   Publication context for the article and the topic area covered in this issue of CPT Assistant.

2. Clinical Vignettes

   A set of trauma-based examples used to illustrate the coding scenarios discussed in the article.

3. The New Codes

   An overview of the wound exploration coding additions referenced in the article and the general context for their introduction.

4. Vignette 1: CPT Code 12001*

   A neck laceration example focused on a superficial wound repair scenario.

5. Vignette 2: CPT Code 43410

   A penetrating neck injury example involving assessment of deeper structures and associated repair considerations.

6. Vignette 3: CPT Code 20100

   A neck stab wound example involving exploration and layered closure in a trauma setting.

7. Vignette 4: CPT Code 12032*

   A forearm laceration example involving layered closure of a wound without the broader exploration scenario.

8. Vignette 5: CPT Code 35721

   A femoral artery exploration example involving vascular evaluation in the context of penetrating trauma.

9. Summary

   A closing recap of the article’s general theme and the broad factors emphasized across the examples.