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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Scar Revision

Published on Fri Mar 01, 2002

Question: How should I code a scar revision of the forearm during which the surgeon cut out the old scar and performed a one-degree closure that is 3 cm long?

Alabama Subscriber
 
 Answer: Use 13121 (Repair, complex, scalp, arms, and/or legs; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm) in the Integumentary System section of CPT. As notes at the beginning of the Repair (Closure) section dictate, the complex repair codes are used for repair of wounds requiring more than layered closure, viz., scar revision, debridement (e.g., traumatic lacerations or avulsions), extensive undermining, stents or retention sutures. Excision of the scar is included in the complex repair codes.
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