2025 CPT code 11046
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Debridement of muscle and/or fascia; each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier 59 may be necessary when performing debridement on multiple wounds at different depths on the same day.
Medical necessity for debridement is established when the removal of dead tissue is required to promote healing or prevent infection.
The physician performs the debridement procedure, determining the extent of dead tissue removal and ensuring appropriate wound care.
In simple words: This code is used when a surgeon removes dead tissue from deeper layers of a wound (muscle and fascia) in addition to the first 20 square centimeters.It's used with another code (11043) that covers the initial 20 square centimeters.
This code reports the debridement (removal of dead tissue) of muscle and/or fascia for each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof, when performed in conjunction with the primary procedure (11043).It includes debridement of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, if performed.This is an add-on code and should be reported separately in addition to 11043.
Example 1: A patient presents with a deep wound infection involving 45 sq cm of muscle and fascia. The surgeon performs debridement of the entire area. 11043 is reported for the first 20 sq cm, and 11046 is reported twice for the additional 25 sq cm.,A patient with a chronic diabetic ulcer has 30 sq cm of necrotic muscle and fascia requiring debridement.11043 would be reported along with 11046.,A patient sustains a traumatic injury with 60 sq cm of devitalized muscle and fascia. Debridement is performed and is reported using code 11043 once along with three units of 11046.
Documentation should include the size (in square centimeters) and depth of the wound, the type of tissue debrided (muscle and/or fascia), and the method of debridement used.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Physician's Office