How To Use cpt 11740

cpt 11740 describes the evacuation of a subungual hematoma, which involves draining blood from under the nail. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11740.

1. What is cpt 11740?

cpt 11740 is used when a physician evacuates a subungual hematoma, which means they drain blood from under the nail. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pain and pressure caused by the accumulation of blood in the nail bed.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11740 is: ‘Evacuation of subungual hematoma.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician assesses the subungual hematoma and determines the need for evacuation.
2. A small needle is used to puncture the nail plate, allowing the blood to drain.
3. If necessary, the physician may apply additional pressure to fully evacuate the hematoma.
4. After the evacuation, a nonadherent dressing is applied to cover the site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11740 is performed when a patient has a subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail. This condition is typically caused by direct trauma to the nail bed. The procedure is performed by a physician and is necessary to relieve pain and pressure associated with the hematoma.

5. When to use cpt code 11740

cpt 11740 should be used when a physician performs the evacuation of a subungual hematoma. It is important to note that this code should not be used for other procedures or conditions unrelated to subungual hematomas.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11740, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a subungual hematoma
• Procedure performed, including the use of a small needle to evacuate the hematoma
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same visit
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11740, ensure that the procedure was performed by a physician and that it involved the evacuation of a subungual hematoma. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement.

8. Historical information

cpt 11740 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11740

Five similar codes to cpt 11740 include:

• cpt 11741: Excision of nail and nail matrix, partial or complete (eg, ingrown or deformed nail), for permanent removal
• cpt 11750: Excision of nail and nail matrix, partial or complete (eg, ingrown or deformed nail), for permanent removal; with amputation of tuft of distal phalanx
• cpt 11752: Excision of nail and nail matrix, partial or complete (eg, ingrown or deformed nail), for permanent removal; with chemical matricectomy (eg, phenol)
• cpt 11755: Biopsy of nail unit (eg, plate, bed, matrix, hyponychium, proximal and lateral nail folds), with or without simple closure
• cpt 11760: Repair of nail bed

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a painful subungual hematoma after stubbing their toe. The physician performs the evacuation of the hematoma using a small needle.
2. A patient accidentally crushes their finger in a door, resulting in a subungual hematoma. The physician drains the blood from under the nail to relieve pain and pressure.
3. A patient experiences a subungual hematoma after a sports injury. The physician performs the evacuation procedure to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
4. A patient presents with a chronic subungual hematoma that has not resolved on its own. The physician decides to perform the evacuation procedure to provide relief.
5. A patient develops a subungual hematoma after a nail salon accident. The physician evacuates the hematoma to prevent infection and promote healing.
6. A patient with a history of recurrent subungual hematomas undergoes the evacuation procedure to alleviate pain and prevent complications.
7. A patient presents with a large subungual hematoma that is causing significant discomfort. The physician performs the evacuation procedure to provide immediate relief.
8. A patient sustains a subungual hematoma after a workplace accident. The physician evacuates the hematoma to promote healing and prevent complications.
9. A patient with a subungual hematoma seeks medical attention due to persistent pain. The physician decides to perform the evacuation procedure to alleviate discomfort.
10. A patient accidentally hits their finger with a hammer, resulting in a subungual hematoma. The physician drains the blood from under the nail to relieve pressure and prevent further complications.