CPC Integumentary System Procedures 4

Question 1

A burn wound requiring debridement covers 5% TBSA. Which CPT code is reported for initial debridement of a burn involving 5% TBSA?

Accepted Answer

16020

Answer

CPT 16020 covers dressings and/or debridement of partial-thickness burns, small (less than 5% TBSA); for exactly 5%, CPT 16025 (medium) would apply — however 16020 is for small burns under 5%.

Question 2

A surgeon harvests a split-thickness skin graft from the thigh and applies it to a 100 sq cm wound on the leg. How is the graft size reported?

Accepted Answer

By the recipient site size in sq cm

Answer

Split-thickness skin graft codes are based on the size of the recipient site (the area being grafted), measured in square centimeters.

Question 3

Which CPT code describes the simple repair of a 2.5 cm laceration of the trunk?

Accepted Answer

12002

Answer

CPT 12002 covers simple repair of superficial wounds of the scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities, 2.6–7.5 cm — for 2.5 cm, CPT 12001 (up to 2.5 cm) applies.

Question 4

Mohs micrographic surgery codes (17311-17315) differ from standard excision codes because they:

Accepted Answer

Describe a technique where the surgeon also acts as the pathologist examining margins intraoperatively

Answer

Mohs surgery codes apply when the operating surgeon simultaneously acts as the pathologist, mapping and examining each excised tissue stage intraoperatively to ensure clear margins.

Question 5

A patient has 25 skin tags removed by snipping from the neck and trunk. How is this reported?

Accepted Answer

11200 plus 11201 for the additional lesions

Answer

CPT 11200 covers removal of up to 15 skin tags; CPT 11201 is an add-on code reported for each additional 10 skin tags (or part thereof) beyond the first 15.

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CPC Integumentary System Procedures 4