Wiki Laceration repair - complex laceration

[Tgarner2016]

A patient comes in with a complex laceration repair needed. Her laceration is located on the scalp and is 12cm in length. This required a layer closure. 10 stitches on the inside and 12 on the outer layer. Should this code be coded 13121 and 13122? Or should it also include 12034 for the layer closure. I'm saying just the 13121 and 13122.....help!

 

[pkidd]

Hi Smoky,

I agree with you. I would only use 13121/13122 only. You could use the intermediate layered closure codes only if that repair was a different site. If there was extensive debridement or a fracture associated with the lac, you might also take a look at those 11010-11012 codes.
pat

 

[Tgarner2016]

Thank you for all your help. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy