How To Use cpt 11000

cpt 11000 describes the debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin up to 10% of the body surface. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11000.

1. What is cpt 11000?

cpt 11000 is a code used to describe the surgical debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin up to 10% of the body surface. During this procedure, a qualified healthcare provider uses surgical instruments, such as a scalpel or scissors, to remove dead, damaged, or infected tissue from the skin. The goal of debridement is to facilitate the natural healing process of the remaining healthy tissue in the affected area.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11000 is: ‘Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin up to 10% of body surface.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The healthcare provider cleans the area of infected skin.
3. The healthcare provider performs debridement by cutting away the dead tissue using surgical instruments like a scalpel or scissors.
4. The healthcare provider continues debridement until healthy bleeding is observed on the skin edges.
5. The healthcare provider controls bleeding, applies an antibiotic, and dresses the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11000 is used for the debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin up to 10% of the body surface. It is important to note that this code does not include debridement of the abdominal wall or genitalia for necrotizing soft tissue infection, which should be reported with codes 11004-11006. Additionally, cpt 11000 is specifically for surgical debridement and does not include nonselective debridement methods such as wet-to-moist dressings, enzymatic debridement, abrasion, or larval therapy.

5. When to use CPT code cpt 11000

cpt 11000 should be used when a qualified healthcare provider performs surgical debridement on extensive eczematous or infected skin up to 10% of the body surface. It is important to accurately document the extent of the debridement and ensure that it falls within the specified percentage. If the debridement exceeds 10% of the body surface, an additional add-on code, cpt +11001, should be used for each additional 10% of the body surface.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11000, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for debridement
• Extent of the debridement, specifying that it is up to 10% of the body surface
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of surgical instruments and the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue
• Control of bleeding, application of antibiotics, and dressing of the wound
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11000, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for extensive eczematous or infected skin debridement up to 10% of the body surface. It is important to note that cpt 11000 should not be reported with codes 11001 or 97602. Additionally, dermabrasion services should be reported with codes 15780-15787 and are not included in cpt 11000.

8. Historical information

cpt 11000 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11000

Five similar codes to cpt 11000 include:

• cpt +11001: This add-on code is used for each additional 10% of the body surface debrided beyond the initial 10% covered by cpt 11000.
• cpt 97602: This code is used for the removal of devitalized tissue (nonselective debridement) from wounds without anesthesia, using methods such as wet-to-moist dressings, enzymatic debridement, abrasion, or larval therapy.
• cpt 15780-15787: These codes are used for dermabrasion services, which are not included in cpt 11000.

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performing surgical debridement on a patient with extensive eczematous skin covering 5% of their body surface.
2. A plastic surgeon debriding infected skin on a patient’s leg, covering 8% of their body surface.
3. An emergency room physician performing debridement on a patient with extensive infected skin on their arm, covering 10% of their body surface.
4. A wound care specialist debriding eczematous skin on a patient’s back, covering 3% of their body surface.
5. A general surgeon performing debridement on a patient with infected skin on their abdomen, covering 6% of their body surface.
6. A podiatrist debriding extensive eczematous skin on a patient’s foot, covering 9% of their body surface.
7. An orthopedic surgeon performing debridement on a patient with infected skin on their hand, covering 7% of their body surface.
8. A plastic surgeon debriding extensive eczematous skin on a patient’s face, covering 4% of their body surface.
9. A dermatologist performing debridement on a patient with infected skin on their neck, covering 2% of their body surface.
10. An emergency room physician debriding extensive eczematous skin on a patient’s chest, covering 10% of their body surface.