2025 CPT code 12032
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Intermediate repair of wounds of scalp, axillae, trunk and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet); 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
Modifiers may be applicable, such as modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) if the work required is substantially greater than typically required for this code, or modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) when reporting multiple repairs of different complexities or anatomical locations.
Medical necessity for intermediate wound repair is established when the wound involves deeper layers of tissue beyond the epidermis or dermis, requiring layered closure to facilitate proper healing and minimize the risk of complications like infection or scarring.
The physician performs the intermediate wound repair after obtaining informed consent. This includes prepping and draping the area, administering local anesthesia, irrigating the wound, and performing necessary debridement. The wound edges are then brought together, and the deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and fascia are sutured, followed by skin closure.Adhesive may also be applied.
In simple words: This code covers the repair of moderately deep cuts or wounds on the body (excluding hands and feet) that are between 2.6 and 7.5 centimeters long. The repair involves stitching together multiple layers of tissue beneath the skin.
This code describes the intermediate repair of wounds located on the scalp, axillae, trunk, and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet) that are 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in length.Intermediate repair involves layered closure of one or more of the deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial (non-muscle) fascia, in addition to skin closure.It may also include limited undermining, defined as less than the maximum width of the defect.Single-layer closure of heavily contaminated wounds requiring extensive cleaning or removal of particulate matter also constitutes intermediate repair.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 3.5 cm laceration on the right forearm sustained from a fall. The wound involves the subcutaneous tissue and requires layered closure., A patient has a 5 cm laceration on their back from a dog bite. The wound is contaminated and requires extensive cleaning before layered closure., A patient sustains a 2.8 cm deep cut on their scalp during a car accident.The wound requires layered closure of the subcutaneous tissues and fascia.
Documentation should include the location, length, and depth of the wound, the complexity of the repair (e.g., layered closure), the type of anesthesia used, and any debridement performed. The extent of contamination, if present, should also be documented.
** It's essential to differentiate between simple, intermediate, and complex repairs based on the documentation.Adequate documentation is crucial for proper code selection and reimbursement.For complex repairs involving nerves, blood vessels, or tendons, those should be reported separately under the appropriate system.