How To Use cpt 11760

cpt 11760 describes the repair of the nail bed, which may be necessary in cases of laceration, crush, or avulsion. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11760.

1. What is cpt 11760?

cpt 11760 is a code used to describe the repair of the nail bed. This procedure is typically performed when the nail bed has been injured due to laceration, crush, or avulsion. The physician will remove the nail and repair the damaged nail bed. This code also includes the evaluation of any hematomas and the drainage of blood using absorbable sutures.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11760 is: ‘Repair of nail bed; simple, single.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician begins by removing the nail to gain access to the nail bed.
2. The nail bed is then carefully evaluated for any hematomas or blood collections.
3. If a hematoma is present, the physician may choose to drain the blood using absorbable sutures.
4. The damaged nail bed is repaired using appropriate sutures to ensure proper healing.
5. The nail is then repositioned and secured in place.
6. Any necessary dressings or bandages are applied to protect the nail bed and promote healing.
7. Post-operative care instructions are provided to the patient to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11760 is typically performed in cases where the nail bed has been injured due to laceration, crush, or avulsion. The procedure is necessary to repair the damage and promote proper healing. It is important to note that this code is specifically for simple, single repairs of the nail bed. More complex repairs may require a different code.

5. When to use cpt code 11760

cpt 11760 should be used when a physician performs a simple, single repair of the nail bed. This code is appropriate for cases where the nail bed has been injured due to laceration, crush, or avulsion. It is important to accurately document the procedure performed and ensure that it meets the criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11760, the physician must document the following information:

• Description of the nail bed injury
• Details of the repair procedure performed
• Evaluation and drainage of any hematomas
• Type and size of sutures used
• Post-operative care instructions provided to the patient
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11760, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. This code is specifically for simple, single repairs of the nail bed. If the repair is more complex or involves multiple nails, a different code may be more appropriate. It is important to accurately document the procedure performed and provide any necessary supporting documentation.

8. Historical information

cpt 11760 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 11760

Five similar codes to cpt 11760 include:

• cpt 11761: Repair of nail bed; complicated or multiple
• cpt 11762: Removal of nail bed
• cpt 11765: Wedge excision of skin of nail fold
• cpt 11719: Trimming of nondystrophic nails, any number
• cpt 11720: Debridement of nail(s) by any method(s); 1 to 5

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a laceration to the nail bed due to a crushing injury. The physician performs a simple, single repair of the nail bed using absorbable sutures.
2. A patient’s nail bed is avulsed during a traumatic accident. The physician removes the nail, repairs the damaged nail bed, and secures the nail back in place.
3. A patient’s nail bed is crushed in a machinery accident. The physician evaluates and drains any hematomas, repairs the nail bed, and provides post-operative care instructions.
4. A patient’s nail bed is injured during a sports-related incident. The physician performs a simple, single repair of the nail bed and applies a protective dressing.
5. A patient presents with an avulsion injury to the nail bed caused by a door slamming on their finger. The physician repairs the nail bed and provides instructions for proper wound care.
6. A patient’s nail bed is lacerated while cutting vegetables. The physician performs a simple, single repair of the nail bed and advises the patient on activities to avoid during the healing process.
7. A patient’s nail bed is crushed in a car door accident. The physician evaluates and drains any hematomas, repairs the nail bed, and prescribes pain medication for post-operative pain management.
8. A patient’s nail bed is avulsed during a workplace accident. The physician removes the nail, repairs the damaged nail bed, and applies a splint to protect the healing area.
9. A patient’s nail bed is lacerated while playing a musical instrument. The physician performs a simple, single repair of the nail bed and advises the patient on proper hand positioning to prevent future injuries.
10. A patient’s nail bed is crushed in a fall. The physician evaluates and drains any hematomas, repairs the nail bed, and schedules a follow-up appointment to monitor healing progress.