How To Use CPT Code 40650

CPT 40650 describes the repair of a full-thickness tear of the vermilion, which is the external red area of the upper and lower lips. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 40650?

CPT 40650 is used to describe the repair of a full-thickness tear of the vermilion, which is the red area of the lips. This code is used when a provider sutures the tear to close the wound and restore the integrity of the lip.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 40650 is: ‘Repair lip, full thickness; vermilion only.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. Using sutures, the provider closes the full-thickness tear of the vermilion.
3. If necessary, the provider applies a dressing to the repaired area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 40650 is used when there is a full-thickness tear of the vermilion, which involves both the outer and inner layers of the lip. This code is appropriate when the tear is limited to the vermilion border and does not extend beyond it.

5. When to use CPT code 40650

CPT code 40650 should be used when a provider performs a repair of a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. It is important to ensure that the tear is limited to the vermilion border and does not extend beyond it. If the repair involves a tear that extends beyond the vermilion, a different code, such as CPT 40652, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 40650, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the full-thickness tear of the vermilion
• Details of the repair procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or treatments performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 40650, ensure that the repair involves a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. CPT code 40650 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or treatments are performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 40650 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient sustains a full-thickness tear of the vermilion while playing sports and undergoes a repair procedure using CPT code 40650.
2. A child accidentally bites their lip, resulting in a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
3. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure that inadvertently causes a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
4. A patient presents with a full-thickness tear of the vermilion due to a traumatic injury. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
5. A patient undergoes a cosmetic procedure that results in a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
6. A patient sustains a full-thickness tear of the vermilion during a motor vehicle accident. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
7. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure that requires a full-thickness tear of the vermilion to access the underlying structures. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
8. A child falls and sustains a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
9. A patient presents with a full-thickness tear of the vermilion due to a dog bite. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.
10. A patient undergoes a cosmetic lip augmentation procedure that results in a full-thickness tear of the vermilion. The provider performs a repair using CPT code 40650.