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Intermediate repair of wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes 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 affects not only the epidermis but also the underlying 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, particularly in cases where the wound is heavily contaminated or requires extensive cleaning. During the repair, a layered closure technique is employed, which may involve the use of sutures, staples, or tissue adhesive to secure the tissue layers effectively. To minimize tension on the wound and promote optimal healing, the tissues may be undermined using surgical instruments such as scissors or a scalpel. Control of bleeding is achieved through chemical means or electrocautery. The deepest layers of the wound are typically closed with absorbable sutures, with the knots buried to reduce irritation. In some cases, permanent sutures may be utilized. The final step involves closing the superficial layer of the wound, ensuring that the edges are properly aligned and everted to prevent the formation of a depressed scar. This procedure is indicated for wounds that exceed 30.0 cm in length, necessitating the use of CPT® Code 12057 for accurate medical coding and billing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure is indicated for the repair of intermediate wounds located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes that exceed 30.0 cm in length. These wounds may be the result of trauma, surgical incisions, or other injuries that require a more complex closure due to their size and depth.
The procedure begins with the thorough cleansing of the wound to eliminate any debris and reduce the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout the repair process. The surgeon then inspects the wound to determine its depth and extent, particularly focusing on whether it involves deeper layers of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. If the wound is heavily contaminated, additional cleaning may be necessary. Once the assessment is complete, the surgeon proceeds with a layered closure technique. This involves undermining the tissues using surgical instruments such as scissors or a scalpel to minimize tension on the wound edges. Bleeding is controlled using chemical agents or electrocautery to ensure a clean working area. The deepest layers of the wound are closed with absorbable sutures, with the knots buried to prevent irritation. In some cases, permanent sutures may be used instead. Finally, the superficial layer of the wound is closed, ensuring that the edges are aligned and everted to prevent the formation of a depressed scar. This comprehensive approach is essential for optimal healing and aesthetic outcomes.
After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Instructions for wound care are provided, which may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and monitoring for any changes in the wound's appearance. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and remove any non-absorbable sutures if used. Patients are advised to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, or discharge from the wound site, to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | INTMD RPR FACE/MM >30.0 CM | Medium Descr | REPAIR INTERMEDIATE F/E/E/N/L&/MUC >30.0 CM | Long Descr | Repair, intermediate, wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips and/or mucous membranes; over 30.0 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | 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 | 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). | 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. | 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.) | AG | Primary physician | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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