2025 CPT code 11012
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Debridement including removal of foreign material at the site of an open fracture and/or open dislocation of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia, muscle, and bone.
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) may be used if the procedure is significantly more complex than usual.Modifier 58 (Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period) may be used if the debridement is part of a staged procedure.Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) is appropriate if a separate and distinct debridement is performed on the same day for different wounds.
Medical necessity for 11012 is established by the presence of an open fracture or dislocation with devitalized tissue or foreign material requiring surgical removal to promote healing and prevent infection.
The physician performs the debridement, which includes prepping and anesthetizing the patient, cleansing the wound, removing foreign material and necrotic tissue, irrigating the tissues, and potentially applying a splint or other dressing.
In simple words: The doctor cleans the wound at the broken bone, removes any dirt or debris, and cuts away the dead or damaged skin, tissue, and bone so the healthy tissue can heal.
The procedure involves removing necrotic tissue and foreign material from skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia, muscle, and bone at the site of an open fracture or dislocation.This is an excisional debridement, meaning the damaged tissue is surgically removed. The procedure often includes prolonged cleansing of the wound and irrigation of the tissue layers.It may be performed at the same time as fracture reduction and fixation or at a later date.
Example 1: A patient sustains an open tibia fracture in a motorcycle accident, with significant contamination from road debris.The physician performs debridement of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, fascia, and bone to remove the foreign material and necrotic tissue., A patient presents with an infected open finger fracture. The physician performs debridement down to the bone to remove the infected and necrotic tissue, including muscle, fascia, and bone fragments., A patient has a chronic open wound at the site of a previous ankle fracture, with exposed bone.The physician performs debridement of the surrounding soft tissues and bone to promote healing.
Documentation should include the size and depth of the wound, the type of tissue debrided, the presence of foreign material, and the method of debridement. The medical necessity of the procedure should also be documented, including the reason for the debridement (e.g., infection, open fracture, chronic wound).
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office