Wiki Wound care - I have a wound care coding

[scollin]

I have a wound care coding question. Patient has RLE venous stasis ucler measuring 2X1 cm and LLE stasis dermatitis with no open ulcer at this point. The provider documents in his procedure note "A sterile forcep was used to remove devitalized skin material from bilateral lower extermities. Wound of the right lower extermity was well irrigated with normal saline." He then goes on to say what was used for dressing of the RLE. The provider is insistent this should be coded with 97602 (1 unit), but I believe the RLE should be coded with 97597 because of the open wound and the use of forceps. What are your thoughts?

 

[susanp]

I agree that code 97597 is the appropriate code in this case.

 

[Kimmers]

I also would use the 97597 since selective debridement of the wound was done using sterile forceps.