How To Use cpt 11047

cpt 11047 describes the additional debridement of bone, including the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and/or fascia, if necessary, in increments of 20 square centimeters or part thereof. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11047.

1. What is cpt 11047?

cpt 11047 is a code used to describe the additional debridement of bone, including the surrounding tissues, in increments of 20 square centimeters or part thereof. This procedure involves the removal of dead, infected, or damaged tissue to promote the healing of healthy tissue. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider using surgical instruments.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11047 is: ‘Debridement, bone (includes epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and/or fascia, if performed) each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with a primary procedure code for debridement.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for debridement of bone and surrounding tissues.
2. The provider selects the appropriate instruments and prepares the patient for the procedure.
3. Using surgical instruments, the provider removes dead, infected, or damaged tissue from the bone and surrounding areas.
4. If necessary, the provider may also remove the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and/or fascia.
5. The provider continues the debridement process until healthy tissue is reached.
6. The wound is then closed using primary closure or in layers, or left to heal by secondary intention.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11047 is typically performed on patients who require debridement of bone and surrounding tissues. This procedure may be necessary for conditions such as infections, necrotic tissues, or injuries that affect the bone and surrounding areas. The healthcare provider must document the need for debridement and ensure that it is performed as an additional procedure in increments of 20 square centimeters or part thereof.

5. When to use cpt code 11047

cpt 11047 should be used when the healthcare provider performs additional debridement of bone and surrounding tissues in increments of 20 square centimeters or part thereof. This code should be reported in addition to a primary procedure code for debridement. It is important to note that cpt 11047 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 97597-97602 for the same wound.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11047, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The need for debridement of bone and surrounding tissues
• The specific areas and size of the debridement
• The instruments used during the procedure
• The method of wound closure (primary closure, closure in layers, or secondary intention healing)
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• The signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11047, ensure that the procedure is performed as an additional debridement in increments of 20 square centimeters or part thereof. This code should be reported in addition to a primary procedure code for debridement. It is important to note that cpt 11047 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 97597-97602 for the same wound. Additionally, it is essential to use the appropriate modifiers and follow the guidelines set by the payer.

8. Historical information

cpt 11047 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11047

Five similar codes to cpt 11047 include:

• cpt 11042: Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less
• cpt 11043: Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• cpt 11044: Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (includes epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less
• cpt 11045: Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (includes epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, if performed); each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• cpt 11046: Debridement, skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and/or fascia (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less

9. Examples

1. A patient with a severe infection in their leg requires debridement of the bone and surrounding tissues. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove the infected tissue and promote healing.
2. A patient sustains a deep laceration that affects the bone and surrounding areas. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove the damaged tissue and facilitate the healing process.
3. A patient with a chronic wound develops necrotic tissue in the bone and surrounding areas. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove the necrotic tissue and promote the healing of healthy tissue.
4. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure that results in the need for debridement of the bone and surrounding tissues. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove any damaged or infected tissue and ensure proper healing.
5. A patient with a severe injury to their arm requires debridement of the bone and surrounding tissues. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove the damaged tissue and promote the healing process.
6. A patient with a chronic infection in their foot requires debridement of the bone and surrounding tissues. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove the infected tissue and facilitate healing.
7. A patient with a non-healing wound develops necrotic tissue in the bone and surrounding areas. The healthcare provider performs cpt 11047 to remove the necrotic tissue and promote the healing of healthy tissue.