How To Use cpt 11971

cpt 11971 describes the removal of a tissue expander without the insertion of an implant. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11971.

1. What is cpt 11971?

cpt 11971 is a code used to describe the removal of a tissue expander without the insertion of an implant. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to remove a previously placed tissue expander by making an incision over it, extracting it, and closing the wound. Unlike other procedures involving tissue expanders, cpt 11971 does not involve the insertion of any permanent implant or artificial tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11971 is: ‘Removal of tissue expander(s) without insertion of prosthesis.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for the removal of the tissue expander.
2. An incision is made over the tissue expander, and it is carefully extracted from the patient’s body.
3. The wound is then closed using appropriate sutures or other closure methods.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11971 is performed when there is a need to remove a tissue expander without inserting an implant. This procedure is typically done when the previously placed tissue expander has served its purpose in stretching and expanding the skin or tissue to the desired dimensions. It is important to note that cpt 11971 should not be reported in conjunction with cpt 11960 or cpt 11970, which involve the insertion or replacement of a tissue expander with an implant.

5. When to use cpt code 11971

cpt 11971 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the removal of a tissue expander without the insertion of an implant. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11971, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the tissue expander
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and closure method
• Any complications or additional procedures performed during the removal
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11971, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to note that cpt 11971 should not be reported in conjunction with cpt 11960 or cpt 11970. Additionally, follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

cpt 11971 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was last updated on January 1, 2021, with a change in the code description to ‘Removal of tissue expander(s) without insertion of prosthesis.’

9. Similar codes to cpt 11971

While there are no similar codes specifically related to cpt 11971, there are other codes that involve the insertion or removal of tissue expanders and implants. These include:

• cpt 11960: Insertion of tissue expander for breast reconstruction
• cpt 11970: Replacement of tissue expander with permanent implant for breast reconstruction
• cpt 11983: Removal of tissue expander(s) with insertion of prosthesis for breast reconstruction

9. Examples

1. A plastic surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for breast reconstruction.
2. A burn specialist removing a tissue expander from a patient after the skin has adequately stretched for graft placement.
3. A reconstructive surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who no longer requires the expansion process for tissue or skin replacement.
4. A dermatologist removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for scar revision.
5. A general surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for abdominal wall reconstruction.
6. A maxillofacial surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for facial reconstruction.
7. A plastic surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for scalp reconstruction.
8. A reconstructive surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for chest wall reconstruction.
9. A plastic surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for lower extremity reconstruction.
10. A general surgeon removing a tissue expander from a patient who has completed the expansion process for soft tissue defect reconstruction.