2025 CPT code 12057
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Repair-Intermediate Procedures Integumentary System Feed
Intermediate repair of wounds to the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes; over 30.0 cm.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances. For instance, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might be used if other procedures are performed on the same day.Modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) may be necessary if the procedure is distinct from other services provided on the same day.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of multiple wounds on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes requiring layered closure due to their depth, complexity, or contamination.
The clinical responsibility includes pre-operative assessment, obtaining informed consent, preparing the operative site (prep and drape), administering local anesthesia, wound irrigation, debridement, wound closure (sutures, staples, tissue adhesives, or a combination), and post-operative care.
In simple words: This code covers fixing multiple wounds on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, or lips that together measure more than 30 centimeters (about 12 inches). It means the doctor will sew up the deeper layers of skin, as well as the outer skin.This is a more complex repair than a simple stitch.
This CPT code encompasses the intermediate repair of wounds affecting the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes, exceeding 30.0 cm in total length.The procedure involves layered closure of one or more deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia, in addition to skin closure.It may include limited undermining (less than the maximum width of the defect perpendicular to the closure line).Extensive cleaning or particulate matter removal in heavily contaminated wounds also qualifies for this code.The repair may utilize sutures, staples, tissue adhesives, or a combination thereof.
Example 1: A patient presents with multiple lacerations to the face after a motor vehicle accident.The total length of the lacerations exceeds 30 cm, requiring layered closure with sutures. The surgeon performs an intermediate repair using 12057., A patient sustains extensive facial injuries during an assault. The wounds involve the lips, nose, and cheeks and are heavily contaminated. The surgeon performs debridement and an intermediate layered closure, exceeding 30 cm in total length, making 12057 the appropriate code., A patient undergoes a complex surgical procedure resulting in multiple lacerations to the face and ears. The surgeon addresses the lacerations with an intermediate layered repair, and the total length of the repaired wounds surpasses 30 cm total. In this scenario, 12057 accurately reflects the complexity and extent of the repair.
Detailed medical record documenting the total length of the wounds (in cm), the location of each wound, the type of closure used (sutures, staples, adhesives), the depth of tissue involved (layered closure indicated), the presence of contamination, the extent of debridement performed (if any), and post-operative care.Photographs may be helpful to demonstrate the size and extent of the injuries.
** Accurate measurement of the total wound length is crucial for appropriate code selection.If debridement is extensive and considered a separate procedure, additional codes should be used according to the guidelines.Consider using modifiers to clarify the circumstances of the service if necessary.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient