2025 CPT code 97598
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Active Wound Care - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine Feed
Debridement of devitalized tissue from open wound(s), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instructions for ongoing care, for each additional 20 sq cm or part thereof.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations (e.g., 52 for reduced services, 59 for distinct procedural service). Refer to specific payer guidelines for modifier usage.
Medical necessity for debridement must be supported by documentation demonstrating the presence of devitalized tissue that impairs wound healing. The documentation must explain why less invasive methods, like non-selective debridement, are insufficient.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional performs the debridement, assesses the wound, applies topical medications if necessary, and provides instructions for ongoing wound care.
In simple words: This code covers the removal of dead tissue from a wound larger than 20 square centimeters. It is used in addition to the code for the initial 20 square centimeters of debridement.The procedure may involve cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue with tools or a water jet, applying medication, and providing instructions for care.
Debridement (e.g., high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps) of open wound(s), including fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, biofilm, etc. This includes topical application(s), wound assessment, use of a whirlpool (when performed), and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session; for each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
Example 1: A patient with a diabetic foot ulcer measuring 30 sq cm undergoes selective debridement. 97597 is reported for the first 20 sq cm and 97598 is reported for the additional 10 sq cm., A patient has two wounds on their leg, one measuring 15 sq cm and the other 10 sq cm, both requiring debridement. 97597 is reported for the first 20 sq cm (combined area) and no additional code is necessary., A patient with a pressure ulcer measuring 50 sq cm undergoes debridement using a high-pressure waterjet. 97597 is reported for the initial 20 sq cm, and 97598 is reported twice for the additional 30 sq cm (two 20 sq cm increments, with the second increment covering the remaining 10 sq cm out of 30).
Documentation should include the wound's location, size (in square centimeters), type of tissue removed (e.g., fibrin, devitalized tissue), method of debridement (e.g., sharp, high-pressure waterjet), any topical applications used, and instructions for ongoing care. Photographs of the wound may also be helpful.
** The total wound surface area should be calculated by combining the area of all wounds of similar type requiring selective debridement during the same encounter.
- Revenue Code: P6C - MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER (MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Wound care specialists, podiatrists, general surgeons, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals who perform wound debridement.
- Place of Service:Physician's office, Outpatient hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Home health (if allowed by payer), and other settings where wound debridement is performed.