2025 CPT code 13152
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Complex repair of eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm.
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) may be used if the work required is substantially greater than usual. Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) is used to distinguish between different classifications of wound repair performed on the same anatomical area during the same encounter.
Medical necessity for complex repair is established when the wound's characteristics (depth, location, involvement of underlying structures) necessitate a more intricate procedure than a simple or intermediate repair to ensure proper healing, restore function, and minimize scarring.
The physician performs a complex, multi-layered closure of a wound on the eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips.This includes assessing the wound, debriding if necessary, meticulously aligning the tissues, and closing the wound in layers to minimize scarring and restore function.The physician also determines the need for retention sutures or other specialized techniques.
In simple words: This procedure covers the repair of complicated cuts or tears on the eyelids, nose, ears, or lips that are between 2.6 and 7.5 centimeters long. The repair is more involved than a simple stitch, often requiring multiple layers of closure and special techniques to ensure proper healing and function.
This code describes a complex repair of wounds located on the eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips, ranging from 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in length.Complex repair involves layered closure of one or more deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia, in addition to skin closure.It may also include exposure of bone, cartilage, tendon, or named neurovascular structure; debridement of wound edges; extensive undermining; involvement of free margins of specific facial structures; or placement of retention sutures.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 4 cm laceration across the eyelid following a dog bite. The wound is deep, requiring layered closure and exploration for underlying tissue damage., A patient sustains a 3.5 cm avulsion injury to the nose in a motor vehicle accident. The wound involves exposed cartilage and requires debridement and complex closure to restore the nasal structure., A patient has a 6 cm deep laceration on the ear following a fall. The wound requires extensive undermining and placement of retention sutures to ensure proper closure and healing.
Documentation should include the location, size (length in cm), and depth of the wound; the complexity of the repair; any associated injuries (e.g. exposed bone, cartilage, etc.); debridement performed; method of closure (sutures, staples, etc.); and the use of any specialized techniques like undermining or retention sutures.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Room - Hospital