Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Repair, intermediate, wounds of neck, hands, feet and/or external genitalia; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Intermediate repair of wounds located on the neck, hands, feet, and/or external genitalia involves a surgical procedure designed to address injuries that penetrate deeper than the skin's surface. This type of repair is necessary when the wound requires more than simple closure, indicating that it affects the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. The procedure begins with the cleansing of the wound to prevent infection, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort during the repair process. The surgeon inspects the wound to assess its depth and extent, determining if it necessitates extensive cleaning or removal of debris, particularly in cases of contamination. A layered closure technique is employed, which may involve the use of sutures, staples, or tissue adhesive to secure the wound edges. To minimize tension on the wound and promote optimal healing, the tissues surrounding the wound are often undermined. Control of any bleeding is achieved through chemical means or electrocautery. The closure process involves carefully stitching the deepest layers with absorbable sutures, ensuring that the knots are buried to reduce irritation. The superficial layer is then closed with attention to aligning and everting the wound edges, which is crucial for preventing a depressed scar. This procedure is specifically indicated for wounds measuring between 2.6 cm and 7.5 cm in length, and it is important to select the appropriate CPT® code based on the size of the wound, with specific codes designated for varying lengths of wounds.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The intermediate repair of wounds of the neck, hands, feet, and/or external genitalia is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Wound Size: Wounds measuring between 2.6 cm and 7.5 cm that require more than simple closure.
  • Deeper Tissue Involvement: Wounds that involve deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia.
  • Contaminated Wounds: Heavily contaminated superficial wounds that necessitate extensive cleaning and/or removal of particulate matter.

2. Procedure

The procedure for intermediate repair of the specified wounds involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Wound Cleansing The initial step involves thoroughly cleansing the wound to eliminate any debris and reduce the risk of infection. This is a crucial preparatory measure before any surgical intervention.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Administration A local anesthetic is administered to ensure that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. This step is essential for minimizing discomfort associated with the repair process.
  • Step 3: Wound Inspection The surgeon inspects the wound to assess its depth and extent. This evaluation determines whether the wound involves deeper layers of tissue and if extensive cleaning is required, particularly in cases of contamination.
  • Step 4: Tissue Undermining To minimize tension on the wound during closure, the surrounding tissues are undermined using scissors or a scalpel. This technique helps facilitate a more effective closure and promotes better healing.
  • Step 5: Bleeding Control Any bleeding that occurs during the procedure is controlled using chemical methods or electrocautery. This step is vital to ensure a clear surgical field and to prevent complications.
  • Step 6: Layered Closure The deepest layers of the wound are closed using absorbable sutures, with the knots buried to avoid irritation. Alternatively, permanent sutures may be utilized depending on the specific requirements of the wound.
  • Step 7: Superficial Layer Closure Finally, the superficial layer of the wound is closed, ensuring that the edges are aligned and everted. This alignment is critical to prevent the formation of a depressed scar, which can affect the cosmetic outcome of the repair.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing intermediate repair of wounds includes monitoring for signs of infection, ensuring proper wound care, and following up for suture removal if non-absorbable sutures were used. Patients are typically advised on how to keep the area clean and dry, and they may receive instructions on pain management and activity restrictions to promote optimal healing. The expected recovery time may vary based on the individual and the specific characteristics of the wound, but patients should be informed about the importance of attending follow-up appointments to assess healing and address any concerns.

Short Descr INTMD RPR N-HF/GENIT2.6-7.5
Medium Descr REPAIR INTERMEDIATE N/H/F/XTRNL GENT 2.6-7.5 CM
Long Descr Repair, intermediate, wounds of neck, hands, feet and/or external genitalia; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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) 1 - Statutory 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6A - Minor 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).
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.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F1 Left hand, second digit
F2 Left hand, third digit
F3 Left hand, fourth digit
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
F6 Right hand, second digit
F7 Right hand, third digit
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
FA Left hand, thumb
G6 Esrd patient for whom less than six dialysis sessions have been provided in a month
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
SQ Item ordered by home health
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
TA Left foot, great toe
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"