How To Use cpt 12006

cpt 12006 describes the simple repair of superficial wounds to the scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities (including the hands and feet) that are 20.1 to 30 cm in size. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 12006.

1. What is cpt 12006?

cpt 12006 is a CPT code used to describe the simple repair of superficial wounds to the scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities (including the hands and feet) that are 20.1 to 30 cm in size. This code is used when a physician closes a superficial wound involving the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue, without invading the deeper subcutaneous tissues. The closure is performed using tissue adhesives, staples, or suture materials.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 12006 is: ‘Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet) 20.1 cm to 30.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician assesses the superficial wound and determines the need for repair.
2. The wound is cleaned and prepared for closure.
3. The physician performs a simple single-layer closure using tissue adhesives, staples, or suture materials.
4. The closure involves the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue, without invading the deeper subcutaneous tissues.
5. The wound is dressed appropriately for healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 12006 is used for the simple repair of superficial wounds that are 20.1 to 30 cm in size. The procedure is performed on the scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities (including the hands and feet). The wound must only involve the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue, without invading the deeper subcutaneous tissues.

5. When to use cpt code 12006

cpt 12006 should be used when a physician performs a simple repair of a superficial wound that meets the size criteria (20.1 to 30 cm) and location criteria (scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities including the hands and feet). It is important to ensure that the wound does not invade the deeper subcutaneous tissues. If the wound is smaller or larger than the specified size range, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 12006, the physician must document the following information:

• Location and size of the superficial wound
• Description of the closure technique used (tissue adhesives, staples, or suture materials)
• Details of the closure procedure, including any debridement performed
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the physician performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 12006, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a simple repair of a superficial wound that is 20.1 to 30 cm in size. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional services provided. cpt 12006 should not be reported with other codes for wound repair or closure, as it represents a specific size range and location.

8. Historical information

cpt 12006 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 12006

Five similar codes to cpt 12006 include:

• cpt 12001: Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet) 2.5 cm or less
• cpt 12002: Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet) 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
• cpt 12004: Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet) 7.6 cm to 12.5 cm
• cpt 12005: Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet) 12.6 cm to 20.0 cm
• cpt 12007: Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities (including hands and feet) over 30.0 cm

9. Examples

1. A physician performs a simple repair of a 25 cm superficial wound on the scalp.
2. A physician performs a simple repair of a 22 cm superficial wound on the trunk.
3. A physician performs a simple repair of a 28 cm superficial wound on the hand.
4. A physician performs a simple repair of a 15 cm superficial wound on the neck.
5. A physician performs a simple repair of a 30 cm superficial wound on the foot.
6. A physician performs a simple repair of a 18 cm superficial wound on the axilla.
7. A physician performs a simple repair of a 27 cm superficial wound on the external genitalia.
8. A physician performs a simple repair of a 19 cm superficial wound on the leg.
9. A physician performs a simple repair of a 21 cm superficial wound on the arm.
10. A physician performs a simple repair of a 26 cm superficial wound on the chest.