2025 CPT code 11010
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Debridement Procedures on the Skin Surgery Feed
Debridement of skin and subcutaneous tissues, including removal of foreign material, at the site of an open fracture or dislocation.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service.For example, modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) might be used if the debridement is performed on multiple wounds, as per CPT guidelines.
Debridement is medically necessary to remove necrotic tissue, foreign material, and contaminated tissue to prevent infection, reduce the risk of complications, and promote wound healing in the context of open fractures and dislocations.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional performs the surgical debridement after appropriate preparation and anesthesia of the patient. This includes meticulous removal of necrotic tissue and foreign material, inspection of surrounding soft tissues (tendons, ligaments), and wound irrigation.
In simple words: The doctor cleans a wound associated with a broken bone that has broken the skin (open fracture) or a joint that's out of place (dislocation).This involves removing dead tissue and any foreign objects from the skin and the layer of fat just beneath it.
This CPT code, 11010, encompasses the surgical debridement of skin and subcutaneous tissues.The procedure involves the removal of necrotic (dead) tissue, foreign bodies, and other contaminated material from a wound associated with an open fracture or dislocation.The extent of debridement is limited to the skin and subcutaneous tissue layers. Excisional debridement is included.
Example 1: A patient presents with an open fracture of the tibia following a motor vehicle accident.The wound is severely contaminated with dirt and debris. The physician performs debridement of the skin and subcutaneous tissue to remove the foreign material and devitalized tissue, preparing the wound for fracture repair., A patient sustains an open dislocation of the elbow during a sporting event. The wound is contaminated with grass and gravel. The physician performs debridement of the skin and subcutaneous tissue to remove the foreign material and necrotic tissue, preparing the wound for reduction and immobilization of the dislocation., During a surgical procedure for an open fracture, the surgeon encounters significant contamination and devitalized tissue in the wound edges. As a part of the overall surgical procedure, the surgeon performs extensive debridement of skin and subcutaneous tissue to improve the condition of the wound.
** The codes 11010, 11011, and 11012 are specifically for debridement related to open fractures and dislocations; they should not be used for other types of wounds.
- Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Room - Hospital