ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Use the codes in this section to designate wound closure with sutures, staples or tissue adhesives, either singly or in combination with one another or with adhesive strips. If adhesive strips are used alone, use the appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) code to report the repair.

Laceration Repair Classifications

Simple (codes 12001*-12021): Superficial wound involving primarily epidermis or dermis, or subcutaneous tissues without significant involvement of deeper structures that requires simple, one-layer closure. The classification includes local anesthesia and chemical or electrocauterization of wounds that are not closed.

Intermediate (codes 12031-12057): Superficial wound (described above) that requires layered closure of one or more of the deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial (nonmuscle) fascia, in addition to the skin (epidermal and dermal) closure. Single-layer closure of heavily contaminated wound that requires extensive cleaning or removal of particulate matter also constitutes intermediate repair.

Complex (codes 13100-13160): Wound requiring more than layered closure, e.g., scar revision, debridement (traumatic lacerations or avulsions), extensive undermining, stents or retention sutures. Necessary preparation includes creating a defect for repairs (e.g., excision of a scar requiring a complex repair) or debriding complicated lacerations or avulsions. Complex repair does not include excision of benign (11400-11446) or malignant (11600-11646) lesions.