Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: The podiatrist excised dead tissue from an open wound on the patient’s left foot. He debrided the wound with a scalpel and used a high-pressure waterjet, with suction, to remove devitalized tissue from the wound.  The dimension of the treated wound surface area measure 15cm2. The podiatrist then controlled the bleeding. He packed the wound with saline–moistened gauze and applied a composite dressing over the wound. What CPT® code should I report for this procedure?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: You should report 97597 (Debridement (eg, high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps), open wound, (eg, fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, biofilm), including topical application(s), wound assessment, use of a whirlpool, when performed and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session, total wound(s) surface area; first 20 sq cm or less) for this procedure.

Remember: Report 97597 for wound care management code that involves serious wounds, requiring extensive debridement. For each additional 20 cm2 or part thereof of total wound surface area, you should report add–on code +97598 (… each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)).