How To Use CPT Code 40652

CPT 40652 describes the repair of a full-thickness tear of up to half the vertical height of the lip using sutures. 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 40652?

CPT 40652 can be used to describe the repair of a full-thickness tear of up to half the vertical height of the lip using sutures. This code is used when a provider closes a laceration or surgically created wound that extends through the full thickness of the lip, including the vermilion border, and whose size extends up to one half of the vertical height of the lip.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 40652 is: ‘Repair lip, full thickness; up to half vertical height.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. The provider closes the full-thickness tear or surgical wound of the lip using sutures.
3. The tear or wound repaired should not be larger than half the vertical height of the lip.
4. The provider applies a dressing to the incision after closing it with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 40652 is used when the provider closes a full-thickness tear or surgical wound of the lip that is no larger than half the vertical height of the lip. This procedure is commonly performed for wounds of the lips that occur due to trauma or that are created surgically.

5. When to use CPT code 40652

CPT code 40652 should be used when a provider performs the repair of a full-thickness tear or surgical wound of the lip that extends up to half the vertical height of the lip. It should not be used for repairs that involve only the vermilion border of the lip.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 40652, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the full-thickness tear or surgical wound being repaired
• Size of the tear or wound, ensuring it does not exceed half the vertical height of the lip
• Details of the repair procedure, including the use of sutures
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as anesthesia administration or dressing application

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 40652, ensure that the repair procedure meets the criteria specified in the official description. It is important to accurately document the size of the tear or wound and the use of sutures. Report CPT code 40652 for repairs that involve the full thickness of the lip, including the vermilion border, up to half the vertical height of the lip. Do not report CPT code 40652 for repairs that involve only the vermilion border of the lip.

8. Historical information

CPT 40652 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 provider repairs a full-thickness tear of up to half the vertical height of the lip caused by a traumatic injury.
2. A surgeon performs a surgical procedure that creates a full-thickness wound of the lip, and then repairs it using sutures.
3. A patient presents with a laceration on the lip that extends through the full thickness, and the provider repairs it up to half the vertical height of the lip.
4. A provider performs a lip reconstruction surgery, repairing a full-thickness tear of the lip that is no larger than half the vertical height.
5. A patient undergoes a lip augmentation procedure, and the provider repairs a full-thickness tear of the lip during the same session.
6. A provider repairs a full-thickness tear of the lip that occurred due to a sports-related injury.
7. A patient undergoes a lip reduction surgery, and the provider repairs a full-thickness tear of the lip during the procedure.
8. A provider repairs a full-thickness tear of the lip that occurred as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
9. A patient presents with a laceration on the lip that extends through the full thickness, and the provider repairs it up to half the vertical height of the lip.
10. A provider performs a lip reconstruction surgery, repairing a full-thickness tear of the lip that is no larger than half the vertical height.