How To Use CPT Code 97598

CPT 97598 describes the procedure for debridement of an open wound, including the removal of devitalized tissue, wound assessment, and instruction for ongoing care. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 97598?

CPT 97598 can be used to describe the procedure of debridement for an open wound. This involves the removal of devitalized tissue, such as dead or unhealthy tissue, from the wound. The procedure also includes wound assessment and instruction for ongoing care. It is important to note that CPT 97598 is an add-on code and should be reported in conjunction with the primary code for the initial 20 cm2 of wound surface area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 97598 is: ‘Debridement (eg, high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps), open wound, (eg, fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, biofilm), including topical application(s), wound assessment, use of a whirlpool, when performed and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session, total wound(s) surface area; each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider assesses the open wound and determines the need for debridement.
2. The provider selects the appropriate technique for debridement, which may include sharp debridement with scissors, forceps, or a scalpel, or the use of a high pressure waterjet with or without suction.
3. If using the waterjet method, the provider aims a stream of highly pressurized water at the target tissue to remove devitalized tissue, including the deep layer of skin (dermis) or the outer layer (epidermis), blood clots, exudate, debris, or biofilm.
4. If suction is used, the provider forcibly removes the devitalized tissue from the wound using a vacuum device.
5. After removing the devitalized tissue, the provider controls any bleeding and ensures that viable tissue is not destroyed.
6. The provider may apply topical medication or materials to the wound, perform a wound assessment, use a whirlpool if necessary, and provide instructions for ongoing care.
7. If the wound surface area exceeds 20 cm2, each additional 20 cm2 or part thereof should be reported separately.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 97598 is used for patients with open wounds that require debridement. The procedure is performed to remove devitalized tissue, such as dead or unhealthy tissue, from the wound. This may include fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, or biofilm. The qualifying circumstances for CPT 97598 include the need for wound assessment, use of a whirlpool if necessary, and instruction for ongoing care.

5. When to use CPT code 97598

CPT code 97598 should be used when a healthcare provider performs debridement on an open wound, including the removal of devitalized tissue, wound assessment, and instruction for ongoing care. It is important to note that CPT 97598 is an add-on code and should be reported in conjunction with the primary code for the initial 20 cm2 of wound surface area. This code should be used for each additional 20 cm2 or part thereof of total wound surface area.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 97598, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for debridement
• Specific technique used for debridement
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Wound assessment findings
• Topical applications used, if any
• Instructions provided for ongoing care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 97598, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and includes the removal of devitalized tissue, wound assessment, and instruction for ongoing care. It is important to report CPT 97598 in conjunction with the primary code for the initial 20 cm2 of wound surface area. Do not report CPT 97598 without an appropriate primary code. It is also important to note that CPT 97598 is an add-on code and should be reported separately for each additional 20 cm2 or part thereof of total wound surface area.

8. Historical information

CPT 97598 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs debridement on an open wound, removing devitalized tissue and providing wound assessment and instruction for ongoing care.
2. Using a high pressure waterjet, a provider removes devitalized tissue from an open wound, assesses the wound, and provides instructions for ongoing care.
3. A healthcare provider performs sharp debridement with scissors, removing devitalized tissue from an open wound, and provides wound assessment and instruction for ongoing care.