Wiki Repair of earlobe due to gauges

[klbecker]

Hi I'm new to plastic surgery.

I am looking for help with a CPT code for repair of torn earlobe due to the patient having gauged earrings. I'm looking at CPT code 12051. I'm thinking they would be considered Intermediate repairs. Am I correct or is there another set of codes for the ear for this situation?

Thank you for your time and help
Kristy

 

[mamarchant]

Coding for earlobe repair due to gauges

We almost always code with a complex closure, 1315X, depending on the gauge size. These are not simple earlobe repairs but like earlobe reconstructions. In addition, only in rare cases will insurance cover this type of procedure. Most of the time, the patient is paying cash prior to the procedure which includes postoperative care as well.