Ensure your wound care coding is compliant in 2020

Why This Topic Matters

Wound repair and grafting are common, high-volume services, so accurate CPT reporting can affect compliance, documentation review, and claim integrity. The article helps readers identify the categories of guidance that changed in 2020 and understand which procedure areas require closer attention.

Article Sections

1. Wound repairs

   Introduces wound repair coding concepts and the broad factors that affect reporting for closure services. Also summarizes the general types of wounds and repair complexity discussed in the article.

2. Simple repair

   Covers the general concept of simple wound closure and the level of service addressed in the CPT guidance. Focuses on the broad characteristics that distinguish this category from other repair types.

3. Intermediate repair

   Describes the intermediate repair category and the 2020 wording update discussed by the article. Includes discussion of a key technique referenced in the guidance.

4. Complex repair

   Reviews the complex repair category and the broader preparation and closure concepts associated with it. Notes the 2020 CPT language changes and related procedural considerations.

5. Flaps and grafts

   Introduces soft-tissue grafting and fat transfer concepts in the context of reconstructive procedures. Covers the general treatment areas and the CPT update related to these services.

6. CPT codes

   Summarizes the 2020 CPT code changes discussed in the article, including deleted and newly added procedure codes. Also notes the scope of the CPT revision within the integumentary system.

7. Test yourself

   Provides practice scenarios for applying the article’s wound grafting and repair guidance. Includes example documentation and answer-oriented review prompts.

8. Example one

   Presents a sample grafting scenario for review. The section is used to reinforce understanding of the article’s CPT update topic.

9. Example two

   Presents a second grafting scenario for review. The section continues the article’s practice-oriented discussion of the 2020 update topic.