How To Use CPT Code 17250

CPT 17250 refers to the chemical cauterization of granulation tissue, a procedure used to heal injured tissue. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT code 17250.

1. What is CPT 17250?

CPT 17250 is a medical procedure code that describes the chemical cauterization of granulation tissue, also known as proud flesh. This procedure is performed to promote healing in injured tissue by applying chemicals like silver nitrate or potassium hydroxide to hinder the blood supply to the affected area, allowing the tissue to progress to the next phase of healing.

2. 17250 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 17250 is: “Chemical cauterization of granulation tissue (ie, proud flesh).”

3. Procedure

The 17250 procedure involves the following steps:

1. Examination of the granulation tissue to determine the extent of the injury and the need for chemical cauterization.
2. Preparation of the injured area by cleaning and sterilizing the surrounding skin.
3. Application of a chemical agent, such as silver nitrate or potassium hydroxide, to the granulation tissue. This is done using a small applicator or swab.
4. Monitoring the tissue’s response to the chemical agent and applying additional cauterizing agents if necessary.
5. Assessment of the treated area to ensure proper healing and the absence of complications.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 17250 services are those with granulation tissue that requires chemical cauterization to promote healing. This may include patients with non-healing wounds, chronic ulcers, or other injuries where excessive granulation tissue has formed and is impeding the normal healing process. The decision to perform chemical cauterization is typically made by the healthcare provider after evaluating the patient’s condition and determining that other treatment options are not suitable or have been unsuccessful.

5. When to use CPT code 17250

It is appropriate to bill the 17250 CPT code when a healthcare provider performs chemical cauterization of granulation tissue to promote healing in a patient with a non-healing wound, chronic ulcer, or other injury where excessive granulation tissue is present. The procedure should be performed only when other treatment options have been deemed unsuitable or have failed to produce the desired results.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 17250, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• A detailed description of the patient’s condition, including the presence of granulation tissue and the reason for chemical cauterization.
• A thorough explanation of the procedure, including the chemical agent used, the method of application, and the patient’s response to treatment.
• Documentation of the patient’s progress and healing following the procedure, including any follow-up appointments or additional treatments required.
• Any relevant medical history, including previous treatments and their outcomes, that may impact the decision to perform chemical cauterization.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 17250, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules to ensure accurate reimbursement. Some key points to consider include:

• Do not report 17250 with removal or excision codes for the same lesion.
• Do not report 17250 when chemical cauterization is used to achieve wound hemostasis.
• Do not report 17250 in conjunction with 97597, 97598, or 97602 for the same lesion.

8. Historical information

CPT 17250 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2018, with the previous descriptor being “Chemical cauterization of granulation tissue (proud flesh, sinus or fistula).”

9. Similar codes to CPT 17250

There are several codes related to CPT 17250, each with specific differences:

1. CPT 97597: Debridement of a wound, which involves the removal of dead or damaged tissue to promote healing.
2. CPT 97598: Similar to 97597, but for the debridement of additional wounds.
3. CPT 97602: Non-selective debridement, which involves the removal of both healthy and damaged tissue from a wound.
4. CPT 11042: Debridement of subcutaneous tissue, which involves the removal of tissue beneath the skin to promote healing.
5. CPT 11043: Debridement of muscle and/or fascia, which involves the removal of tissue from deeper layers to promote healing.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 17250 procedures:

1. A patient with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer undergoes chemical cauterization to promote healing and prevent infection.
2. A patient with a chronic venous leg ulcer receives chemical cauterization to reduce excessive granulation tissue and facilitate wound closure.
3. A patient with a pressure ulcer that has not responded to conservative treatment undergoes chemical cauterization to promote healing.
4. A patient with a surgical wound that has developed excessive granulation tissue receives chemical cauterization to encourage proper healing.
5. A patient with a burn injury that has resulted in the formation of granulation tissue undergoes chemical cauterization to promote healing and reduce scarring.
6. A patient with a traumatic injury that has led to the formation of granulation tissue receives chemical cauterization to facilitate wound closure and healing.
7. A patient with a non-healing wound due to peripheral arterial disease undergoes chemical cauterization to promote healing and prevent complications.
8. A patient with a chronic skin ulcer that has not responded to other treatments receives chemical cauterization to reduce granulation tissue and promote healing.
9. A patient with a postoperative wound that has developed excessive granulation tissue undergoes chemical cauterization to encourage proper healing and prevent complications.
10. A patient with a non-healing wound due to an autoimmune disorder receives chemical cauterization to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.