Coding for Wound Care in 2007: Update and Changes Lawrence A. Santi, DPM APMA Coding Committee Member Brooklyn, NY

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Tissue cultured epidermal autograft. Cultured autologous skin with only an epidermal layer. eg. CEA, Epicel, EpiDex

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Acellular dermal replacement A tissue-derived or manufactured device that provides immediate, temp. wound closure & that incorporates into the wound and promotes the generation of a neodermis that can support epidermal tissue. eg. Integra

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Allograft skin Cadaveric human skin allograft. eg, Homograft-skin from skin banks; GammaGraft.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Acellular dermal allograft. Decellularized allogeneic dermis may require immediate concurrent coverage with autologous tissue. eg, Alloderm, Graft Jacket. HCPCS code J7344.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Tissue cultured allogeneic skin substitute. Cultured allogeneic skin with both a dermal and epidermal layer. eg, Apligraf, Orcel.

CPT &  CPT & have a 10-day global period.  Post-graft application visits are included in the reimbursement.  The HCPCS supply code for the product can be billed separately; J7340  & Debridement codes ( ) included.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Tissue cultured allogeneic dermal substitute. Cultured allogeneic neonatal fibroblasts. eg, Transcyte, Dermagraft.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Xenogeneic dermis. Nonhuman dermis for temporary wound closure. eg, EZ Derm, Mediskin.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery CPT Acellular xenogeneic implant. Decellularized nonhuman connective tissue. eg. Oasis, Surgisis, PriMatrix.

CPT &15431  CPT & have a 90-day global period.  Post-graft application visits are included in the reimbursement. (9 level II visits)  DO NOT USE MODIFIER –58.  HCPCS supply code is J7341.  CPT & Debridement codes ( ) included.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery NEW FOR The term “surgical fixation” is eliminated! “These codes are not intended to be reported for simple graft application alone or application stabilized with dressings (e.g., by simple gauze wrap). cont.

Codes For Skin Replacement Surgery cont. “The Skin substitute/graft is anchored using the surgeon’s choice of fixation. When services are performed in the office, the supply of the skin substitute/graft should be reported separately. Routine dressing supplies are not reported separately.” THANK YOU APMA!

Wound care codes NOT for Physician Use  CPT  CPT –Both formally combined under CPT  CPT  These are codes not to be used by physicians and could be subject to audit

Wound Care Codes NOT for Physician Use “The purpose of adding codes 97601(now replaced by & 97598) and was to describe how to report interventions associated with active wound care management, as preformed by non- physician health care providers (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists, and enterostomal nurses).” -CPT Assistant, May 2002

Wound Care Codes NOT for Physician Use Important Note: Many CMS Medical Directors have directed, through LCD’s, that physician’s can and should use & CMS is not bound by the CPT, the CPT Assistant, or any other medical association interpretation. Read your local LCD.

Wound Care Debridement Codes Debridement; Skin; Partial Thickness Debridement; Skin; Full Thickness Debridement; Skin; Full Thickness & Subcutaneous Tissue Debridement; Skin; Full Thickness & Subcutaneous Tissue & Muscle Debridement; Skin; Full Thickness & Subcutaneous Tissue, Muscle, & Bone

Partial Thickness – Only Epidermis

Full Thickness – Epidermis & Dermis

Full Thickness & Subcutaneous Tissue

Full Thickness, Subcutaneous Tissue & Muscle

Full Thickness, Subcutaneous Tissue, Muscle, & Bone

CMS & Debridement Many CMS Medical Directors have limited the frequency of use for CPT & Place of Service has also come into question by these CMS Medical Directors. Read your local LCD.

Other Codes for Wound Care  – Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin; up to 10% of body surface  Typically a code used primarily for dermatological purposes  Should be used sparingly in diabetic, venous stasis, and pressure ulcers  0 day global

THANK YOU