Ulcer code 11040 & 11041

Since 1/1/11 these codes are not valid for skin debridement for Medicare in the state of Connecticut. I have called Medicare and they do not know what codes I can use for replacement. I do a lot of diab.ulcers and now have no codes for levels of partial-full thickness removal. I'm a podiatrist and I know codes 97597 & 97598 are not applicable. Can you help. Thank you

Debridement code changes

Why do you say you can't use codes 97597 and 97598?

11040 & 11041

Medicare for Connecticut states those codes 97597 & 97598 are only applicable to therapists

11040 and 11041

Have you checked to see if they updated that policy Jan 1? CPT® also said that codes 97597 and 97598 were only for non-physicians. However, they changed their policy Jan 1 when they deleted the lowest level debridement codes. Now, CPT® instructs doctors to use those codes for sharp debridement.

Here is the current CPT® description of 97597.
Debridement (eg, high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps), open wound, (eg, fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, biofilm), including topical application(s), wound assessment, use of a whirlpool, when performed and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session, total wound(s) surface area; first 20 sq cm or less

You need to document the sq cm in your medical record. I would call your payers and see if they have changed their rules along with the national policy.