Billing and Coding: Debridement Services

Debridement codes are payable when documentation shows clinically necessary removal of devitalized tissue, infection, undermining, tunneling or necrosis, with CPT selection based on extent, depth, contiguous structure involvement, and total surface area debrided. Non-debridement activities (simple dressing changes, non-selective wet-to-moist methods, wound assessment, minor incidental wound care) and certain procedures (e.g., nail avulsion, I&D, burn care) are not billable as debridement; comprehensive documentation (operative note, wound measurements or photos, comorbidities, treatment plan and response) is required and medical review may be required for high-frequency or prolonged services.

"Use CPT 11000 or 11001 for removal of extensive eczematous or infected skin when removal is clinically necessary."

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