Primary Care Coding Alert

Question: An established 17-year-old patient reports to the FP after stepping on a rusty nail. After examining the patient and making sure the wound was free of debris, the FP performs a tetanus injection and repairs the 1.2 cm hole in her left foot with sutures. Can I report a laceration repair code in this scenario? Illinois Subscriber Answer: Since the FP used sutures, you can submit a laceration repair code. On the claim, report the following: " 12001 (Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities [including hands and feet]; 2.5 cm or less) for the repair " 90471 (Immunization administration [includes percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections]; one vaccine [single or combination vaccine/toxoid]) for the tetanus administration " 90703 (Tetanus toxoid adsorbed, for intramuscular use) for the tetanus supply " the appropriate level code (e.g., 99212, Office or other outpatient visit for [...]