ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: A patient with a cut on her left forearm reports to the ED. Using Dermabond, the ED physician closes the 6.3-cm laceration. Can I code this with the laceration repair codes?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: If the payer does not follow Medicare coding conventions, you-ll most likely report a laceration repair code. In this case, 12002 (Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities [including hands and feet]; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm) would be appropriate.

However, you should report G0168 (Wound closure utilizing tissue adhesive[s] only) for the service for Medicare patients (and patients whose payers follow Medicare rules). Medicare calls for this code when Dermabond is the only closure material the physician uses on a simple injury.

Either way: Append 881.00 (Other open wound of elbow, forearm and wrist without mention of complication; forearm) to the procedure code you choose to represent the patient's injury.