2025 CPT code 11047
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Debridement of bone (includes epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and/or fascia, if performed); each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
Modifiers, such as 59 (Distinct Procedural Service), may be applicable to distinguish between separate and distinct debridement procedures performed on the same day.
Medical necessity for debridement should be supported by documentation of the presence of necrotic or infected tissue that poses a threat to the patient's health and requires surgical removal to promote healing.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, performing the debridement procedure using appropriate surgical instruments, ensuring hemostasis, closing the wound if necessary, and providing post-operative care.
In simple words: This code is used when a doctor removes dead or infected tissue from a bone wound that is larger than 20 square centimeters. It is used in addition to a code for the first 20 square centimeters of debridement.
This add-on code describes the surgical removal of dead or damaged tissue from bone, including any necessary removal of surrounding tissues like epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and/or fascia. It is used for each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof, debrided beyond the initial area covered by the primary procedure code (11044).It should not be reported in conjunction with 97597-97602 for the same wound.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 30 sq cm bone wound on their heel. The physician performs debridement of the entire wound. 11044 is reported for the first 20 sq cm and 11047 is reported for the additional 10 sq cm., A patient has two bone wounds, one measuring 15 sq cm and the other 25 sq cm. The physician debrides both wounds. 11044 is reported for the 15 sq cm wound and 11044 and 11047 are reported for the 25 sq cm wound., A patient has a deep wound exposing bone, exceeding 40 sq cm on their leg following a motorcycle accident. The physician performs debridement. 11044 is reported along with two units of 11047.
Documentation should include the size and depth of each wound, the deepest level of tissue removed, the method of debridement, and any associated complications.
** This code is an add-on code and should always be reported in addition to a primary debridement code (11044). It is important to accurately measure and document the total surface area of the wound(s) to ensure proper coding.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- Specialties:General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatry
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Physician's Office