How To Use cpt 11001

cpt 11001 describes the debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof, and is listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11001.

1. What is cpt 11001?

cpt 11001 is a code used to describe the debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof. It is an add-on procedure that is reported in addition to the primary procedure code (cpt 11000) for the initial 10% of debridement. This code is used when the provider uses surgical instruments to remove dead tissue from up to an additional 10% of the skin after debriding the initial 10% at the same encounter.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11001 is: ‘Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990, and there was a code change on January 1, 2009, to clarify the description.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider uses surgical instruments to debride the infected skin.
3. cpt 11001 is used to report the debridement of each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof, after the initial 10% debridement, which is reported using cpt 11000.
4. The provider cleans the area of infected skin and cuts away the dead tissue using surgical instruments like a scalpel or scissors.
5. The provider continues debridement until healthy bleeding is observed on the skin edges.
6. The provider controls bleeding, applies an antibiotic, and dresses the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11001 is used when there is a need to debride extensive eczematous or infected skin each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof. The patient must have a condition that requires debridement, such as extensive eczema or an infection. The provider must use surgical instruments to perform the debridement, and the additional debridement must be performed after the initial 10% debridement, which is reported using cpt 11000.

5. When to use cpt code 11001

cpt 11001 should be used when the provider performs debridement of each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof, after the initial 10% debridement, which is reported using cpt 11000. This code should only be used when the debridement is extensive and involves eczematous or infected skin. It is important to note that cpt 11001 is an add-on code and should not be reported without an appropriate primary code (cpt 11000) for the initial 10% debridement.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11001, the provider must document the following information:

• The need for debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin
• The specific body surface area debrided, including the initial 10% and each additional 10% debrided
• The use of surgical instruments for the debridement
• The date and time of the procedure
• The steps taken during the procedure, including cleaning the area, cutting away dead tissue, and controlling bleeding
• The application of an antibiotic and dressing to the wound
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11001, it is important to ensure that the debridement is performed on extensive eczematous or infected skin and that it is each additional 10% of the body surface, or part thereof, after the initial 10% debridement reported using cpt 11000. This code should be listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure. It is also important to note that cpt 11001 is an add-on code and should not be reported without an appropriate primary code (cpt 11000) for the initial 10% debridement.

8. Historical information

cpt 11001 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2009, to clarify the description of the code.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11001

Five similar codes to cpt 11001 include:

• cpt 11000: Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin, 10% of the body surface
• cpt 11002: Debridement, muscle and/or fascia, first 20 sq cm or less
• cpt 11003: Debridement, muscle and/or fascia, each additional 20 sq cm
• cpt 11004: Debridement, bone, first 20 sq cm or less
• cpt 11005: Debridement, bone, each additional 20 sq cm

9. Examples

1. A provider debriding 20% of the body surface area of a patient with extensive eczematous skin, with the initial 10% debrided using cpt 11000 and the additional 10% debrided using cpt 11001.
2. A provider debriding 30% of the body surface area of a patient with infected skin, with the initial 10% debrided using cpt 11000 and the additional 20% debrided using cpt 11001.
3. A provider debriding 15% of the body surface area of a patient with extensive eczematous skin, with the initial 10% debrided using cpt 11000 and the additional 5% debrided using cpt 11001.
4. A provider debriding 25% of the body surface area of a patient with infected skin, with the initial 10% debrided using cpt 11000 and the additional 15% debrided using cpt 11001.