12/20/2021

Correct Coding for Suture Removal Entailing Removal of Entire Flap Exposing Subcutaneous Tissue

I have a patient who had a full thickness circumferential laceration to the distal tuft of the toe primary repaired by UC. The flap was 2 x 2 cm which went on to failure (T86.821; S91.114S). After removing the sutures I had to remove the entire flap exposing subQ. What is the appropriate CPT code for this. Do I bill it as a 11042?

CPT code 11042 would be appropriate for a debridement of the skin and subcutaneous tissue related to the failed wound closure. The wound debridement should be billed with CPT 11042 with a primary diagnosis code of S86.621.