How To Use CPT Code 12037

CPT code 12037 describes the intermediate repair of wounds to the scalp, axillae, trunk, and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet) that are over 30.0 cm in size. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 12037?

CPT code 12037 is used to describe the intermediate repair of wounds to the scalp, axillae, trunk, and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet) that are over 30.0 cm in size. This code is used when a healthcare professional performs a linear closure of the wound, suturing the inner layer of skin with absorbable sutures and the external layer in a linear fashion. Dermabond may also be applied to the wound for additional closure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 12037 is: ‘Repair, intermediate, wounds of scalp, axillae, trunk and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet) over 30.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 12037 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is brought to the operating room and informed consent is obtained.
2. The operative site is prepped and draped in a sterile manner.
3. Local anesthesia is administered to the patient.
4. The wound is inspected and irrigated with normal saline.
5. Proper debridement of the wound is performed.
6. The wound edges are brought together to form a linear closure.
7. The inner layer of skin (subcutaneous, dermis, and/or superficial fascia) is sutured with absorbable sutures.
8. The external layer is sutured in a linear fashion.
9. Dermabond may be applied to the wound for additional closure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 12037 is used for wounds that are over 30.0 cm in size and require intermediate repair. This code is applicable to wounds on the scalp, axillae, trunk, and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet). The healthcare professional performing the procedure must follow the specific guidelines for intermediate repair and use absorbable sutures for the inner layer of skin. The use of Dermabond for additional closure is optional.

5. When to use CPT code 12037

CPT code 12037 should be used when a healthcare professional performs an intermediate repair of a wound that meets the criteria of being over 30.0 cm in size. This code is not appropriate for smaller wounds or for wounds on the hands or feet. It is important to accurately measure the size of the wound to determine if it meets the criteria for CPT code 12037.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 12037, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for intermediate wound repair
• Size of the wound, measured in centimeters
• Date of the procedure
• Specific details of the repair procedure, including the use of absorbable sutures and Dermabond if applicable
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 12037, ensure that the wound meets the criteria of being over 30.0 cm in size and that the procedure performed is an intermediate repair. It is important to accurately measure and document the size of the wound to support the use of this code. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 12037 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 12037 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2009, the code description was changed to specify that it applies to wounds of the scalp, axillae, trunk, and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet) over 30.0 cm in size.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a 35.0 cm laceration on their scalp undergoes an intermediate repair procedure using absorbable sutures and Dermabond.
2. A healthcare professional performs an intermediate repair on a 40.0 cm wound on a patient’s trunk, using absorbable sutures and without the use of Dermabond.
3. A patient presents with a 32.0 cm laceration on their extremity, and an intermediate repair is performed using absorbable sutures and Dermabond.
4. A healthcare professional performs an intermediate repair on a 28.0 cm wound on a patient’s axilla, using absorbable sutures and without the use of Dermabond.
5. A patient with a 45.0 cm laceration on their trunk undergoes an intermediate repair procedure using absorbable sutures and Dermabond.
6. A healthcare professional performs an intermediate repair on a 25.0 cm wound on a patient’s extremity, using absorbable sutures and without the use of Dermabond.
7. A patient presents with a 38.0 cm laceration on their scalp, and an intermediate repair is performed using absorbable sutures and Dermabond.