CPC CPT Surgery: Integumentary System 2

Question 1

A patient has three lacerations repaired: a 2.5 cm simple repair on the scalp, a 1.5 cm simple repair on the arm, and a 3.0 cm simple repair on the trunk. How should the repairs be coded?

Accepted Answer

Add lengths of same-complexity, same-classification wounds together and report one code

Answer

For simple wound repairs, lengths of wounds in the same classification and body area grouping are added together before selecting the appropriate CPT code.

Question 2

Which CPT code range covers intermediate wound repair?

Accepted Answer

12031-12057

Answer

Intermediate wound repair codes (12031-12057) include repairs requiring layered closure of subcutaneous tissue and non-muscle fascia or contaminated wounds needing single-layer closure.

Question 3

A physician performs a complex repair of a 5.0 cm wound on the forehead, requiring extensive undermining and retention sutures. Which code range applies?

Accepted Answer

13100-13160

Answer

Complex repairs (13100-13160) involve complicated wound closure including scar revision, extensive undermining, or the use of retention sutures.

Question 4

When coding wound repair, which of the following is NOT included in the measurement of wound length?

Accepted Answer

Extensions made for better exposure

Answer

Extensions made solely for better exposure are not added to the wound length; only the wound defect itself is measured.

Question 5

A patient undergoes repair of a 4.0 cm intermediate laceration of the neck and a 2.0 cm simple laceration of the hand during the same session. How are these coded?

Accepted Answer

Report each repair separately since they are different classifications

Answer

Repairs of different complexities (intermediate vs. simple) are reported separately regardless of body area.

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CPC CPT Surgery: Integumentary System 2