March 17, 2016

Question:
Does use of a tissue adhesive “count” as a layer for the laceration repair codes?

Answer:
Actually, yes it does! The CPT guidelines state “Use the codes in this section to designate wound closure utilizing sutures, staples, or tissue adhesives (e.g., 2-cyanoacrylate), either singly or in combination with each other, or in combination with adhesive strips. Wound closure utilizing adhesive strips as the sole repair material should be coded using the appropriate E/M code.” This means sutures, staples or a tissue adhesive “counts” as a wound closure technique for 12001-13160. However, steri-strips do not.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/17/16.