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The CPT® Code 12017 refers to the simple repair of superficial wounds located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes, specifically for wounds measuring between 20.1 cm and 30.0 cm. This procedure involves a straightforward approach to wound closure, which is essential for ensuring proper healing and minimizing scarring. During the procedure, the wound is first cleansed to prevent infection, and a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort. The healthcare provider then inspects the wound to confirm that it is superficial, meaning it only affects the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue without penetrating deeper layers or exhibiting heavy contamination. The closure of the wound is performed using a simple, one-layer technique, which may involve sutures, staples, or tissue adhesive. These methods can be utilized individually or in combination, including the use of adhesive strips to enhance the closure. It is important to note that certain methods, such as chemical cautery, electrocautery, or adhesive strips used in isolation, do not qualify as a simple repair closure and should be reported as part of an evaluation and management service instead. For accurate coding, it is essential to differentiate this procedure from other codes that apply to different wound sizes, such as CPT® Code 12011 for wounds 2.5 cm or less, 12013 for wounds 2.6 to 5.0 cm, 12014 for wounds 5.1 to 7.5 cm, 12015 for wounds 7.6 to 12.5 cm, 12016 for wounds 12.6 to 20.0 cm, and 12018 for wounds over 30.0 cm.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 12017 is indicated for the treatment of superficial wounds that occur on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes. These wounds may arise from various causes, including but not limited to, lacerations, abrasions, or minor surgical incisions. The primary indication for this procedure is the need for a simple repair of wounds that are superficial in nature, meaning they do not extend beyond the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue. The absence of deeper tissue involvement and heavy contamination is crucial for the application of this code.
The procedure for CPT® Code 12017 involves several key steps to ensure effective wound repair. First, the healthcare provider begins by thoroughly cleansing the wound to eliminate any debris or contaminants that could lead to infection. This step is critical in preparing the wound for closure. Following the cleansing, a local anesthetic is administered to the patient to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Once the area is adequately anesthetized, the provider inspects the wound to confirm that it is indeed superficial, which is defined as involving only the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue without any deeper tissue involvement or significant contamination. After confirming the wound's characteristics, the provider proceeds with the closure. A simple, one-layer closure technique is employed, which may involve the use of sutures, staples, or tissue adhesive. These closure methods can be used independently or in combination, and the use of adhesive strips may also be incorporated to enhance the repair. It is important to note that methods such as chemical cautery, electrocautery, or adhesive strips used alone do not qualify as a simple repair closure and should not be reported under this code. The procedure concludes with a final inspection to ensure that the wound is properly closed and that the patient is stable before discharge.
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 12017, the patient may be provided with specific post-procedure care instructions to promote optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include guidance on keeping the wound clean and dry, as well as instructions on how to care for the sutures or adhesive used in the closure. Patients are typically advised to monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and to remove sutures if necessary. It is essential for patients to adhere to the provided care instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
| Short Descr | RPR FE/E/EN/L/M 20.1-30.0 CM | Medium Descr | SIMPLE REPAIR F/E/E/N/L/M 20.1CM-30.0 CM | Long Descr | Simple repair of superficial wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips and/or mucous membranes; 20.1 cm to 30.0 cm | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 171 - Suture of skin and subcutaneous tissue |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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