2025 CPT code 12001
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet); 2.5 cm or less
Modifiers may be applicable. Common examples include:-51 (Multiple Procedures): If multiple repairs are performed on different anatomic sites or different classifications.-59 (Distinct Procedural Service): If a simple repair is performed in conjunction with a more complex repair on the same anatomic site.Refer to current CPT guidelines for modifier usage instructions.
Medical necessity for 12001 is established when the wound requires closure to facilitate healing and prevent complications like infection or scarring. The documentation should support the need for the repair.
The physician performs a simple, one-layer closure of a superficial wound. This includes cleaning the wound, assessing its depth, and using appropriate materials (sutures, staples, or tissue adhesives) to close it.The physician also ensures appropriate hemostasis (stopping bleeding) and administers local or topical anesthesia as needed.
In simple words: This code is for closing small, shallow cuts (2.5 cm or less) on the scalp, neck, armpits, genitals, body, hands, and feet.The doctor closes the cut with stitches, staples, or medical glue.This includes stopping any bleeding and numbing the area.
Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet); 2.5 cm or less. This involves single-layer closure of superficial wounds using sutures, staples or tissue adhesives. Hemostasis and local or topical anesthesia are included.
Example 1: A 1 cm laceration on a child's knee after a fall, closed with sutures., A 2 cm superficial cut on the scalp from a kitchen accident, closed with staples., A 1.5 cm abrasion on the forearm, cleaned and closed with tissue adhesive.
Documentation should include the location, size (in centimeters), and depth of the wound. The method of closure (sutures, staples, or tissue adhesive) should also be documented.If significant contamination or debridement is involved, this should be noted as it may change the code selection.