2025 CPT code 11045
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Debridement of subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); each additional 20 sq cm or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
Modifier 59 may be appended to 11045 (or 11042) to indicate a distinct procedural service when performing debridement of multiple wounds at different depths on the same encounter.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of devitalized tissue in a wound that is hindering healing and posing a risk of infection or other complications.Appropriate documentation supporting the medical necessity should be included in the patient's record.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, performing the debridement procedure using appropriate techniques and instruments, controlling bleeding, applying any necessary dressings or medications, and providing post-operative care instructions.
In simple words: This code is for removing dead tissue from a wound that's larger than 20 square centimeters. It’s used in addition to the code for removing dead tissue from the first 20 square centimeters of the wound.The procedure helps the wound heal properly.
This code describes the surgical removal of dead or damaged tissue from the subcutaneous layer of the skin, including the epidermis and dermis if necessary.It is used for each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof, of wound area beyond the initial 20 sq cm, and is reported in addition to the primary debridement procedure code (11042).This procedure is often performed to promote wound healing in cases of injury, infection, or chronic ulcers. The debridement may involve sharp excision, enzymatic agents, or other methods to remove the non-viable tissue.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 30 sq cm diabetic foot ulcer. The physician performs debridement of the entire wound. 11042 is reported for the first 20 sq cm, and 11045 is reported for the additional 10 sq cm., A patient has a 50 sq cm burn wound. The physician performs surgical debridement of the affected area. 11042 is reported along with two units of 11045 (representing the additional 40 sq cm)., A patient has multiple wounds: a 15 sq cm wound on the leg and a 25 sq cm wound on the back.Both require debridement to the subcutaneous level. 11042 is reported for the 15 sq cm wound, and 11042 and 11045 are reported for the 25 sq cm wound. Modifier 59 may be appended to 11042 or 11045 to indicate distinct procedural services.
Documentation should include the size and location of the wound(s), the depth of the debridement, the method used, and any associated complications. Photographs may be helpful.The medical necessity for the procedure, such as the presence of necrotic tissue or infection, must also be documented.
** This code is intended for debridement of subcutaneous tissue, and if the debridement extends to deeper tissues (e.g. muscle, fascia, bone) then a different code would be reported. Be sure to review guidelines related to modifier 59 usage and distinguish between different depths of debridement and apply modifiers correctly.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General surgery, plastic surgery, podiatry, dermatology, wound care
- Place of Service:Physician's office, Outpatient hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient hospital (if required for complex cases)