2025 CPT code 12021
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System - Wound repair Surgery Feed
Treatment of superficial wound dehiscence with packing.
Modifiers such as 78 (unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period) may be applicable in certain scenarios (e.g., wound dehiscence occurring after a previous procedure).
The medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a superficial wound dehiscence that requires treatment to facilitate healing. This is especially true in cases of infection or significant contamination where primary closure is not appropriate.
The physician is responsible for assessing the wound, performing debridement, irrigating the wound, packing it with gauze, and providing appropriate aftercare instructions.
In simple words: This code covers cleaning and packing a superficial wound that has reopened after being stitched up. The doctor cleans the wound, removes any dead tissue, and then packs it with gauze to help it heal without stitches.
This CPT code describes the treatment of superficial wound dehiscence, which involves the reopening of a previously closed wound that has not healed properly.The procedure includes debridement of the wound, irrigation with an antimicrobial agent, and packing the wound with gauze.The wound is left open to allow for drainage and healing, and resuturing is not performed.
Example 1: A patient presents with a superficial wound dehiscence on their lower extremity following a previous surgical procedure. The wound shows signs of infection. The physician performs debridement, irrigation, and packing.12021 is reported., A patient with a superficial wound dehiscence on their arm following a minor trauma is seen. The wound is infected. The physician cleans, debrides, and packs the wound without attempting primary closure. 12021 is reported., A patient who had abdominal surgery three weeks ago presents with a superficial wound dehiscence near the incision site. The wound appears infected. The physician removes the sutures, cleans, debrides, and packs the wound, leaving it open for healing by secondary intention. Modifier 78 is appended to 12021.
** Accurate documentation is vital for proper reimbursement.Ensure that the documentation clearly supports the medical necessity of the procedure and the level of service provided.
- Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: This information is not available in provided source.Consult current CPT codes and relative value units.
- Global Days: This information is not available in provided source. Consult current CPT guidelines and relative value units.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is not a procedure that has technical and professional components.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available in the provided source. Consult current fee schedules from payers.
- Specialties:General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Urgent Care Facility