How To Use cpt 11771

cpt 11771 describes the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that requires extensive dissection into deeper subcutaneous tissues. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11771.

1. What is cpt 11771?

cpt 11771 is a code used to describe the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that requires extensive dissection into deeper subcutaneous tissues. This procedure involves the removal of the cyst, infected subcutaneous margin, and underlying fascia. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider after the patient has been prepped and administered local anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11771 is: ‘Excision of pilonidal cyst or sinus extensive.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is prepped and local anesthesia is administered.
2. The healthcare provider makes an incision with a scalpel over the infected area of skin down to the subcutaneous level.
3. The provider drains the pus, removes hair from the area, and cleanses the wound.
4. The cyst, infected subcutaneous margin, and underlying fascia are completely removed.
5. The wound is sutured in a simple or layered fashion and a dressing is applied.
6. A drain may be placed and the wound may or may not be flushed with antibiotic solution.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11771 is used when the pilonidal cyst or sinus is extensive in nature and has spread to the subcutaneous tissue layer. The documentation should include terms such as “extended,” “extensive,” or “deeply rooted” to support the use of this code.

5. When to use cpt code 11771

cpt 11771 should be used when performing the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that requires extensive dissection into deeper subcutaneous tissues. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code by including the necessary details about the extent of the cyst or sinus.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11771, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Description of the pilonidal cyst or sinus and its extent
• Details of the procedure performed, including the incision, drainage, removal of the cyst and infected tissue, and wound closure
• Use of local anesthesia
• Any additional procedures performed, such as placement of a drain or flushing with antibiotic solution

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11771, ensure that the documentation supports the extensive nature of the excision. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the complexity of the procedure. For a simple excision of a pilonidal cyst, use cpt 11770. For a complicated excision, use cpt 11772.

8. Historical information

cpt 11771 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 11771

Five similar codes to cpt 11771 include:

• cpt 11770: This code is used for the simple excision of a pilonidal cyst.
• cpt 11772: This code is used for the complicated excision of a pilonidal cyst.
• cpt 10080: This code is used for the simple incision and drainage of a pilonidal cyst.
• cpt 10081: This code is used for the complicated incision and drainage of a pilonidal cyst.
• cpt 10030: This code is used for the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs the excision of an extensive pilonidal cyst that has spread to the subcutaneous tissue layer.
2. A patient presents with a deeply rooted pilonidal sinus, and the healthcare provider performs the excision of the sinus, including the infected subcutaneous margin and underlying fascia.
3. A healthcare provider performs the excision of an extended pilonidal cyst, ensuring complete removal of the cyst and infected tissue.
4. A patient with a complicated pilonidal cyst requires an extensive excision, and the healthcare provider performs the procedure, suturing the wound in a layered fashion.
5. A healthcare provider performs the excision of a pilonidal cyst that has spread extensively into the subcutaneous tissues, ensuring thorough removal of the cyst and infected margin.
6. A patient presents with an extensive pilonidal sinus, and the healthcare provider performs the excision, suturing the wound and applying a dressing.
7. A healthcare provider performs the excision of a deeply rooted pilonidal cyst, removing the cyst, infected tissue, and underlying fascia.
8. A patient requires the excision of an extended pilonidal sinus, and the healthcare provider performs the procedure, closing the wound around a drain.
9. A healthcare provider performs the excision of a pilonidal cyst that has spread extensively, ensuring complete removal of the cyst and infected subcutaneous margin.
10. A patient with a complicated pilonidal cyst requires an extensive excision, and the healthcare provider performs the procedure, flushing the wound with antibiotic solution.