How To Use CPT Code 13132

CPT 13132 is a complex repair code for wounds measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in specific body areas, involving procedures such as scar revision, debridement, and extensive undermining of tissues. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 13132.

1. What is CPT 13132?

CPT 13132 is a code used to describe complex repair procedures for wounds measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in size, located on the forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, and/or feet. These complex repairs often involve scar revision, debridement of devitalized tissue and debris, extensive undermining of tissues, and the use of stents or retention sutures in addition to a layered closure.

2. 13132 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 13132 is: “Repair, complex, forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands and/or feet; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm.”

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 13132 involves the following steps:

1. Preparation and anesthesia of the patient.
2. Complex repair or multilayered closure of the wound measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in size on the specified body areas.
3. Creation of a defect, if necessary, for repair (e.g., excision of a scar).
4. Debridement of devitalized tissue and debris.
5. Trimming and revision of jagged edges of a laceration or reattachment of an avulsion.
6. Extensive undermining of tissue.
7. Placement of stents or retention sutures to maintain proper anatomic position and relieve tension on the repaired wound.
8. Closure of the wound in layers and application of a bandage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 13132 services are those with wounds measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in size on the specified body areas, requiring complex repair procedures. These wounds may be the result of lacerations, cuts, or stab wounds that are deeper, jagged, or contain embedded debris, making repair more difficult. Complex repairs are often reconstructive procedures and may include the creation of a defect to be repaired, such as excision of a scar and subsequent closure.

5. When to use CPT code 13132

It is appropriate to bill the 13132 CPT code when a provider performs a complex repair or multilayered closure of a wound measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in size on the specified body areas. This code should be used when the repair involves more than a layered closure, such as scar revision, debridement, extensive undermining of tissues, and the use of stents or retention sutures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 13132, the following information should be documented:

• Location and size of the wound.
• Description of the complex repair procedure performed, including any additional steps such as scar revision, debridement, or extensive undermining of tissues.
• Use of stents or retention sutures, if applicable.
• Pre- and post-operative diagnosis.
• Operative report detailing the procedure and any complications encountered.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 13132, keep in mind the following guidelines and rules:

• For each additional 5 cm or less, report CPT 13133 in addition to CPT 13132 for the primary procedure.
• For complex repair of the same structures, report CPT 13131 for wound(s) measuring 1.1 cm to 2.5 cm.
• Lesion excision is separately reportable and not included in the complex repair.
• For multiple wounds of the same nature and requiring the same type of repair, add the lengths together to determine which code to report.
• For simple repair procedures on the integumentary system, see codes CPT 12001 to CPT 12021, and for intermediate repairs, see CPT 12031 to CPT 12057.

8. Historical information

CPT 13132 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 13132

Five similar codes to CPT 13132 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 13131: Complex repair for wounds measuring 1.1 cm to 2.5 cm in the same specified body areas.
• CPT 13133: Add-on code for each additional 5 cm or less of wound length when billed with CPT 13132.
• CPT 12001 to CPT 12021: Simple repair codes for single-layer closure of superficial wounds on the integumentary system.
• CPT 12031 to CPT 12057: Intermediate repair codes for layered closure or deeper subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia, or single-layer closure of heavily contaminated superficial wounds requiring extensive cleaning and superficial debridement of debris.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 13132 procedures:

1. Complex repair of a 3.5 cm laceration on the cheek, involving scar revision, debridement, and extensive undermining of tissues.
2. Complex repair of a 6 cm wound on the forehead, requiring stents to maintain proper anatomic position.
3. Complex repair of a 4.2 cm avulsion injury on the hand, with reattachment and multilayered closure.
4. Complex repair of a 7 cm laceration on the neck, involving extensive undermining of tissues and retention sutures.
5. Complex repair of a 5.5 cm wound on the chin, requiring scar revision, debridement, and stents.
6. Complex repair of a 6.8 cm laceration on the axilla, involving extensive undermining of tissues and multilayered closure.
7. Complex repair of a 2.6 cm wound on the genitalia, requiring scar revision, debridement, and retention sutures.
8. Complex repair of a 7.5 cm laceration on the foot, involving stents and multilayered closure.
9. Complex repair of a 3.8 cm wound on the mouth, requiring extensive undermining of tissues and stents.
10. Complex repair of a 5 cm laceration on the cheek, involving scar revision, debridement, and retention sutures.