tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2012 Issue 11

Reader Question: Base Debridement Choice on Depth and Size

Question: Our surgeon treated a patient with severe diabetic ulcer on his lower leg. He debrided the 16 sq. cm. wound down through subcutaneous tissue and applied sterile dressing. I was going to report 11042, but another coder in the office suggests 97597. Which code is correct?Virginia SubscriberAnswer: You should report 11042 (Debridement, subcutaneous tissue [includes epidermis and dermis, if performed]; first 20 sq. cm or less) or similar code, depending on the wound size. Debridement codes are based on the depth, which in the scenario you describe, involves subcutaneous tissue.You shouldn't confuse the depth of debridement...

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