June 22, 2017

Question:
I did the closure for a patient’s left ear defect after the Moh’s surgeon excised the basal cell carcinoma at the same operative session. I had to remove a little devitalized tissue before closing the wound with a full thickness graft. Can I code both 15260 (full thickness graft) and 11043 (wound debridement)?

Answer:
No. The 1104x codes are for debriding an open wound that will heal by secondary intention such as a chronic venous stasis ulcer. You’ll use only 15260 for your reconstructive procedure.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 06/22/17.