2025 CPT code 12018
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Simple Repair Integumentary System Feed
Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes; over 30.0 cm.
Modifier 59 may be necessary if this code is used in conjunction with other procedures performed on the same day, especially if those procedures are not related to the wound repair.Other modifiers may be applicable based on individual circumstances, and consultation of the official CPT manual is recommended.
The medical necessity of this procedure is established by the presence of a wound requiring closure. The documentation must demonstrate the need for closure to prevent complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, or impaired healing.
The physician's responsibility includes evaluating the wound, determining the appropriate repair technique (simple closure), performing the closure, ensuring hemostasis, and providing post-operative instructions to the patient.
In simple words: This code covers simple stitches or glue to close a small, superficial cut or tear on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or inside of the mouth, if it's more than 30 centimeters long.It doesn't include closing deeper wounds or those needing more complex repairs.
This CPT code reports the simple repair of superficial wounds located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes.The repair is considered simple if it involves only the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue without deeper structure involvement and requires only a simple one-layer closure.This code is specifically for wounds exceeding 30.0 cm in total length.Hemostasis and local or topical anesthesia, if performed, are not separately reported.Measurements are in centimeters, and the total length of all simple repairs in this anatomic site should be summed for reporting.
Example 1: A patient presents with a large, superficial laceration across the cheek measuring 35 cm. The physician performs a simple, one-layer closure of the wound using sutures. Code 12018 is reported., A patient sustains a superficial avulsion injury to the lower lip, resulting in a 32 cm wound. The physician cleans the wound and performs a simple closure using tissue adhesive. Code 12018 is reported., A patient suffers multiple superficial lacerations to the face, totaling 38 cm in length.The physician cleans the wounds and performs simple one-layer closures using a combination of sutures and tissue adhesive. Code 12018 is reported.
** Always verify the accuracy of coding with the most current CPT manual and payer guidelines.Consider the complexity of the wound and potential need for debridement or other associated procedures. Accurate documentation is crucial for proper reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: This information varies by payer and location. Consult your specific payer's fee schedule for the most current Relative Value Units (RVUs) and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days: Not applicable for this procedure.Global surgical periods typically apply to more extensive surgical procedures.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this procedure. TC modifiers are used to differentiate between the professional and technical components of a procedure, which is not relevant for a simple wound closure performed by the physician.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not provided here; consult a reputable fee schedule database for this information.
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital