2011 definitions for wound debridement codes

The 2011 definitions for codes 11042-11047 are for total wound area. If you have multiple wounds and different depths how would you determine the correct code? Total wound area and use the code for the deepest wound or use the code for each depths total wound area?

Sorry if this is confusing. I just want to be sure I am using the codes properly. Thanks!

Jennifer

Clear the Smoke on Debridement and Active Wound Care Codes

http://codapedia.com/article_514_Clear-the-Smoke-on-Debridement-and-Active-Wound-Care-Codes.cfm

Confused about when to choose a debridement code and an active wound code? CPT® 2011 is here to your rescue with revised debridement code guidelines that clarify how to choose between the two code groups — and the key word that will tighten up your coding is depth.

“Depth is the only documentation item you need to determine the correct code,” explained Chad Rubin, MD, FACS, AMA Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) Alternate Member with Albert E. Bothe, Jr. MD, FACS, American College of Surgeons, AMA CPT® Editorial Panel Member at their joint presentation “General Surgery” at last month’s CPT® Symposium in Chicago.

Active wound care, which has a 0 day global period, is for active wound care of the skin, dermis, or epidermis. For deeper wound care, use debridement codes in the appropriate location.

Example: Codes 11040 (Debridement; skin, partial thickness) and 11041 (…full thickness) have been deleted. The parenthetical note under the codes’ deletion reads, “For debridement of skin, i.e., epidermis and/or dermis only, see 97597, 97598.” The codes are revised for 2011 to reflect this change. For instance, the revision for code 11042 (Debridement, subcutaneous tissue [includes epidermis and dermis, if performed]; first 20 sq cm or less) removes “Skin, and” and adds after subcutaneous tissue “includes epidermis and dermis, if performed.”

Code 97597 is revised to (Debridement [e.g., high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps], open wound, [e.g., 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]).

Code 97597’s revision involves “mainly rewording to make clear how active wound care is separate from integumentary wound care,” Bothe explained.

CPT® 2011 also includes guidelines that indicate two requirements for active wound care management. These guidelines stress the following, which you should look for in the documentation to support billing these procedures:

Intent: “Active wound care procedures are performed to remove devitalized and/ or necrotic tissue and promote healing.” Contact: “Direct patient contact is required.”