2025 CPT code 12051
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Intermediate repair of wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips and/or mucous membranes; 2.5 cm or less
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 59 may be used to indicate that a separate and distinct procedure was performed. Other modifiers such as laterality modifiers (RT, LT) can also be used if applicable.
Medical necessity for intermediate repair is established when the wound involves deeper layers of tissue (e.g., subcutaneous tissue, fascia) or is significantly contaminated, requiring more than simple one-layer closure.
In simple words: Repair of a cut (less than 2.5 cm) on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or inside of the mouth, involving deeper skin layers and possibly some cleaning or minor removal of damaged tissue.
Intermediate repair of wounds to the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes that are 2.5 cm or less in size. This includes layered closure of one or more of the deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial (non-muscle) fascia, in addition to the skin (epidermal and dermal) closure. It may also include limited undermining.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 2 cm laceration on their right cheek after being scratched by a cat. The wound is moderately contaminated and requires layered closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin., A child falls and sustains a 1.5 cm laceration on their nose. The wound is cleaned and closed with sutures in layers., An adult presents with a 2.5 cm cut on their lip from biting it during a seizure. The wound requires layered closure and some undermining to alleviate tension on the wound edges.
Documentation should include the location, size (in centimeters), and depth of the wound. The type of repair (intermediate) should be clearly documented, including the layers closed (e.g., subcutaneous tissue, skin) and any undermining performed. The method of closure (e.g., sutures, staples) should also be documented.If significant contamination is present, the extent of cleaning or removal of particulate matter should be noted.
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Facial Plastic Surgery,General Surgery, Oral Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Room - Hospital