2025 CPT code 16020
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Dressing and/or debridement of partial-thickness burns, initial or subsequent; small (less than 5% total body surface area)
Modifiers may be applicable.For example, modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service.
In simple words: This code is used for treating a minor, second-degree burn that covers less than 5% of the body. The treatment might involve cleaning the wound, removing dead skin and blisters, and applying dressings and ointments. This code can be used for the initial treatment or any follow-up care.
This code refers to the treatment of a partial-thickness burn, including dressing and/or debridement, and can be used for initial or subsequent treatment. The burn size is classified as small, meaning it covers less than 5% of the total body surface area.
Example 1: A patient presents with a second-degree burn on their forearm, covering approximately 3% of their total body surface area. The physician debrides the wound and applies a dressing., A child is brought in with a scald burn on their leg, less than 5% TBSA. The physician cleanses the burn and applies ointment and a sterile dressing. , A patient previously treated for a small, partial-thickness burn returns for a dressing change. The physician removes the old dressing, assesses the wound, and applies a new dressing.
Documentation should include the size and depth of the burn (less than 5% TBSA, partial-thickness), the location of the burn, and the specific treatment provided (dressing and/or debridement).If debridement was performed, the extent and type of debridement should be documented.The documentation should also clarify whether this is the initial or a subsequent treatment.
- Place of Service:Office, Home, Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital,Emergency Room - Hospital,Ambulatory Surgical Center, Military Treatment Facility, Skilled Nursing Facility