tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2000 Issue 5

Reader Question: Laceration With Small Foreign Body

Question: When there is a simple laceration and a small foreign body is removed, should the wound exploration code be used, or is that only for the operating room?Florida SubscriberAnswer: The wound exploration codes (20100-20103) may be used if a wound requires enlargement, extension or dissection to determine penetration, or allow debridement, removal of foreign bodies, ligation or coagulation of minor vessels of the subcutaneous tissues, muscle fascia and/or muscle (not requiring thoracotomy or laparotomy). If the simple laceration required extensive cleaning or removal of particulate matter, it may be considered an intermediate repair under CPT guidelines, instead...

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