CPT Codes for Active Wound Care Management

CPT Codes for Active Wound Care Management

Wound care is an essential aspect of healthcare, and the management of wounds requires specialized care to ensure proper healing and prevent infections. Active wound care management is a comprehensive approach to wound care that involves a range of interventions and procedures. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have established Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for wound care services. This article will discuss the CPT codes for active wound care management, including their definitions and proper use.

CPT codes for Active Wound Care Management

CPT codes are a set of five-digit codes that are used to describe medical procedures and services. The following CPT codes are used for active wound care management:

CPT code 97597

Debridement of a wound, selective, without anesthesia (for example, enzymatic, autolytic debridement), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session. Selective debridement involves the removal of specific areas of damaged or necrotic tissue. Healthcare providers can use different methods for selective debridement, such as enzymatic or autolytic debridement. The use of topical applications, wound assessment, and ongoing care instructions are also included in this CPT code.

CPT code 97598

Debridement of a wound, non-selective, without anesthesia (for example, wet-to-dry dressings, wound irrigation), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session. Non-selective debridement involves the removal of all devitalized tissue, including healthy tissue. Healthcare providers can use different methods for non-selective debridement, such as wet-to-dry dressings or wound irrigation. This CPT code also includes the use of topical applications, wound assessment, and ongoing care instructions.

CPT code 97602

Wound(s) care, requiring the use of a durable medical equipment (DME) provider, including the application of a non-contact dressing to a wound using negative pressure wound therapy, per session. This CPT code is used when wound care requires the use of durable medical equipment, such as a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device. The application of a non-contact dressing to a wound using NPWT is also included in this code.

CPT code 97605

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session. NPWT is a therapeutic technique that involves the application of negative pressure to a wound. This technique promotes healing by increasing blood flow and reducing edema. This CPT code includes the use of NPWT, topical applications, wound assessment, and ongoing care instructions.

CPT code 97606

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session; total wound surface area less than or equal to 50 square centimeters. This CPT code is used for NPWT when the total wound surface area is less than or equal to 50 square centimeters.

CPT code 97607

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session; total wound surface area greater than 50 square centimeters. This CPT code is used for NPWT when the total wound surface area is greater than 50 square centimeters.

CPT code 97608

Removal of devitalized tissue from wound(s), selective debridement, without anesthesia (for example, high-pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel, and forceps), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session. This CPT code is used for the selective removal of devitalized tissue from a wound using various methods such as high-pressure waterjet with or without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel, and forceps. This CPT code also includes the use of topical applications, wound assessment, and ongoing care instructions.

Each CPT code represents a specific wound care service. Healthcare providers should use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific service provided.

Proper Use of CPT Codes for Active Wound Care Management

The proper use of CPT codes for active wound care management is critical for accurate billing and reimbursement. Healthcare providers should ensure that they use the appropriate CPT code for the specific wound care service provided. Documentation of wound care services is also essential to support the use of the appropriate CPT code. Healthcare providers should also be aware of Medicare guidelines for wound care services. For example, Medicare guidelines state that debridement services should be provided only when there is evidence of the presence of devitalized tissue. NPWT services should be provided only when there is evidence of an open wound that has not progressed toward healing despite standard wound therapy.

In summary, wound care management is a critical aspect of healthcare that requires specialized skills and expertise. Active wound care management involves a range of interventions and procedures, including non-selective and selective debridement, negative pressure wound therapy, and the use of topical applications. CPT codes 97597, 97598, 97602, 97605, 97606, 97607, and 97608 are used to describe specific wound care services accurately.

Healthcare providers should ensure that they use the appropriate CPT code for the specific wound care service provided and document wound care services to support the use of the appropriate CPT code. By using CPT codes appropriately, healthcare providers can help to ensure that they are providing high-quality care and receiving appropriate reimbursement for their services.

About Legion Healthcare Solutions

Legion Healthcare Solutions is a trusted name in the healthcare industry, offering reliable wound care billing services to healthcare providers. With our extensive experience and expertise in medical billing and coding, we can accurately code and bill for wound care services, ensuring that healthcare providers receive timely and appropriate reimbursement. Legion Healthcare Solutions understands the complexities involved in wound care billing and stays up-to-date with the latest changes in regulations and guidelines to ensure that their clients are in compliance. To know more about our wound care billing services, contact us at 727-475-1834 or email us at info@legionhealthcaresolutions.com

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association (AMA).