2025 CPT code 11004
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Debridement of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and fascia for necrotizing soft tissue infection; external genitalia and perineum
Modifiers such as 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), 58 (Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period), 59 (Distinct Procedural Service), 76 (Repeat Procedure by Same Physician), 77 (Repeat Procedure by Another Physician), 78 (Return to the Operating Room for a Related Procedure During the Postoperative Period), and 79 (Unrelated Procedure by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity for 11004 is established by the presence of a necrotizing soft tissue infection in the external genitalia and/or perineum requiring surgical debridement to control the infection and prevent its spread.
The physician is responsible for evaluating the extent of necrotic tissue, performing the debridement procedure, controlling bleeding, applying appropriate wound care, and prescribing any necessary medications.
In simple words: This procedure removes dead and infected tissue from the genital and perineal area. It is done to treat severe infections and help the healthy tissue heal.
This code describes a surgical procedure involving the removal of necrotic (dead) tissue from the external genitalia and perineum. The debridement may involve skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and fascia, and is typically performed for necrotizing soft tissue infections.The procedure aims to control the infection by removing the source of infected tissue, allowing the remaining healthy tissue to heal. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.A liberal incision is made, and the surgeon uses instruments to remove the dead and infected tissues while preserving as much viable tissue as possible.Bleeding is controlled, an antibiotic may be applied, and the wound is typically packed with saline-soaked gauze.
Example 1: A patient presents with Fournier's gangrene, a necrotizing soft tissue infection of the perineum. CPT code 11004 is used to report the debridement of the affected tissues., A patient with diabetes develops a necrotizing infection of the external genitalia following trauma. The debridement procedure is reported using 11004., A patient undergoing post-operative care develops a necrotizing infection in the perineal area.Debridement of the infected tissue is reported with 11004.
Documentation should include the diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infection, the area(s) debrided (external genitalia and/or perineum), the depth of tissue removed (skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, fascia), the size of the wound, and any associated procedures performed.
- Revenue Code: P6A (MINOR PROCEDURES - SKIN)
- Specialties:General surgery, plastic surgery, urology, infectious disease
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center