Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert
Dive Into Debridement Scenario
Question: My podiatrist documented that they debrided the patient’s skin. Partial-thickness, including dermal tissue was performed. They also used a #15 scalpel to remove all non-viable soft tissue from the ulcer base and ulcer periphery. What code should I report on my claim? I was thinking 11042. Maine Subscriber Answer: For you to report 11042 (Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less), the podiatrist would have debrided down into and including subcutaneous tissue. It sounds like your documentation supports 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) instead.
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