How To Use CPT Code 41252

CPT 41252 describes the repair of a deep cut or tear (laceration) of the tongue or the floor of the mouth that is over 2.6 cm or requires complex repair. 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 41252?

CPT 41252 can be used to describe the repair of a deep cut or tear (laceration) of the tongue or the floor of the mouth that is over 2.6 cm or requires complex repair. This code is used when the provider performs a complex closure method, such as tissue rearrangement, extensive submucosal suturing, or debridement, to repair the laceration.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 41252 is: ‘Repair of laceration of tongue, floor of mouth, over 2.6 cm or complex.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and using a bite block if necessary.
2. The provider begins the repair of the laceration on the floor of the mouth or tongue, or both, using a complex closure method.
3. The provider may hold the tip of the tongue with gauze to facilitate the repair.
4. The provider may perform tissue rearrangement, extensive submucosal suturing, or debridement as necessary to achieve a successful repair.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 41252 is used for the repair of a laceration of the tongue or the floor of the mouth that is over 2.6 cm or requires complex repair. The provider may use techniques such as tissue rearrangement, extensive submucosal suturing, or debridement to achieve a successful repair.

5. When to use CPT code 41252

CPT code 41252 should be used when the provider is performing a repair of a laceration of the tongue or the floor of the mouth that is over 2.6 cm or requires complex repair. If the laceration is 2.5 cm or less, different codes should be used (41250 for the floor of the mouth or anterior two-thirds of the tongue, or both; 41251 for the floor of the mouth or posterior one-third of the tongue, or both).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 41252, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the laceration and its location
• Details of the repair procedure performed, including the use of complex closure methods
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as debridement
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 41252, ensure that the laceration being repaired is over 2.6 cm or requires complex repair. Use the appropriate CPT code based on the size and complexity of the laceration. It is important to note that CPT code 41252 should not be reported with other codes for laceration repair. Additional tips for reporting CPT 41252 can be found on the AAPC website.

8. Historical information

CPT 41252 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 laceration of the tongue that is 3 cm long using tissue rearrangement.
2. A provider repairs a complex laceration of the floor of the mouth that is 4 cm long using extensive submucosal suturing.
3. A provider repairs a laceration of the tongue and the floor of the mouth that is 5 cm long using debridement.
4. A provider repairs a complex laceration of the floor of the mouth that is 6 cm long using tissue rearrangement.
5. A provider repairs a laceration of the tongue that is 7 cm long using extensive submucosal suturing.
6. A provider repairs a complex laceration of the floor of the mouth that is 8 cm long using debridement.
7. A provider repairs a laceration of the tongue and the floor of the mouth that is 9 cm long using tissue rearrangement.
8. A provider repairs a complex laceration of the floor of the mouth that is 10 cm long using extensive submucosal suturing.
9. A provider repairs a laceration of the tongue that is 11 cm long using debridement.
10. A provider repairs a complex laceration of the floor of the mouth that is 12 cm long using tissue rearrangement.