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    OpenPayerBilling CodesDebridement Procedures on the SkinCPT cpt-11045-additional-surgical-debridement-up-to-20cm2
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    CPT 11045: Surgical Debridement, Additional 20 cm2

    Medicare pays $43 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 11045 describes surgical debridement of nonviable tissue using instruments, removing dead tissue from the subcutaneous layer and extending into the epidermis and dermis as needed; this code represents up to an additional 20 cm2 of tissue removed when performed in the same session as a separately reportable initial 20 cm2 debridement. Service type: surgical debridement. Typical site of service: procedure performed in an operating room, procedure room, or treatment room in an outpatient or inpatient surgical setting.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid Products, Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per Days.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 67-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease presents to the outpatient wound clinic for evaluation of a non-healing plantar foot ulcer present for 6 weeks. The provider performs sharp surgical debridement of devitalized subcutaneous tissue and necrotic epidermis/dermis at the same session as an initial debridement of the wound bed. The procedure addresses approximately an additional up to 20 cm2 of tissue beyond the initial reported area. Typical workflow includes wound assessment, measurement and documentation of total debrided area, local anesthesia administration, use of surgical instruments (scalpel, curette, forceps) to remove necrotic tissue, hemostasis, dressing application, and patient education on wound care. This service is commonly performed in outpatient ambulatory surgery centers, hospital outpatient departments, or wound care clinics. Documentation includes wound measurements, depth and tissue types removed, anesthesia used, patient tolerance, and plan for follow-up.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    11042Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); initial 20 sq cm or lessTypically reported as the initial debridement when subcutaneous tissue removal is the primary depth; 11045 would be used for each additional up to 20 cm2 when 11042 is reported for the initial area
    11043Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (includes epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, if performed); initial 20 sq cm or lessUsed when deeper debridement to muscle/fascia is required; complements 11045 if additional area beyond an initial deeper debridement is debrided
    11044Debridement, bone (includes epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and/or fascia, if performed); initial 20 sq cm or lessUsed when osteomyelitis or exposed bone requires debridement; 11045 may be appended for additional area beyond an initial reportable unit
    97597Debridement (e.g., high velocity lavage) of open wound, selective debridement without anesthesia; first 20 sq cm or lessReported for non-surgical selective debridement (e.g., enzymatic/low-tech methods); may be performed before or after surgical debridement depending on clinical plan
    97001Physical therapy evaluationOften performed in wound clinics as part of multidisciplinary care planning; not billed on same line as 11045 but part of workflow
    11046Debridement, subcutaneous tissue; each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereofComplementary code for additional debrided area in the context of initial deeper services (if applicable)

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207Q00000XFamily Medicine PhysicianFamily Medicine is the medical specialty which is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family. It is the specialty in breadt…
    207P00000XEmergency Medicine PhysicianAn emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospit…
    207L00000XAnesthesiology PhysicianAn anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
    207K00000XAllergy & Immunology PhysicianAn allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
    208D00000XGeneral Practice PhysicianA physician who specializes in the general practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
    208U00000XClinical Pharmacology PhysicianClinical pharmacology encompasses the spectrum of activities related to the discovery, development, regulation, and utilization of safe and effective …
    2084N0008XNeuromuscular Medicine (Psychiatry & Neurology) PhysicianA neurologist or child neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and management of disorders of nerve, muscle or neuromuscular junction, including …
    246ZG0701XGraphics Methods Specialist/TechnologistNone

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    21 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    A49.02Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, unspecified site
    E10.621Type 1 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
    E11.621Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
    I83.019Varicose veins of right lower extremity with ulcer of unspecified site
    L03.115Cellulitis of right lower limb
    L03.116Cellulitis of left lower limb
    L08.9Local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified
    L43.0Hypertrophic lichen planus
    L89.154Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 4
    L97.101Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified thigh limited to breakdown of skin

    Showing 1–10 of 21

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Pharmacologic Treatment of PsoriasisPremera Bluecross2026-08-01
    Winlevi (clascoterone 1% cream) — Topical AcneCigna2026-08-01
    Spevigo (spesolimab‑sbzo) for generalized pustular psoriasisUnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Onychomycosis Testingblue cross blue shield - louisiana2026-08-01
    Spesolimab-sbzo (Spevigoblue cross blue shield - tennessee2026-07-31
    Home ultraviolet light therapy equipment for skin conditionsselect_health2026-07-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-11000-SURGICAL-DEBRIDEMENT-SKIN-UP-TO-10-PERCENT-BODY-SURFACE

    CPT 11000: Surgical Debridement of Skin, Up to 10% BSA

    CPT-11001-ADD-ON-SURGICAL-DEBRIDEMENT-UP-TO-10-PERCENT

    CPT 11001: Surgical Debridement, Add-on, Additional Up to 10% Skin

    CPT-11004-PERINEAL-GENITAL-NECROTIC-TISSUE-DEBRIDEMENT

    CPT 11004: Debridement of External Genitalia and Perineum

    CPT-11005-ABDOMINAL-WALL-DEBRIDEMENT-NECROTIC-TISSUE-EVALUATION

    CPT 11005: Abdominal Wall Debridement of Necrotic Tissue

    CPT-11006-NECROTIZING-SOFT-TISSUE-DEBRIDEMENT-GENITALIA-PERINEUM

    CPT 11006: Debridement of Necrotic Tissue, Genitalia/Perineum/Abdominal Wall

    CPT-11008-ABDOMINAL-WALL-PROSTHETIC-MESH-REMOVAL-INFECTION

    CPT 11008: Removal of Prosthetic Material or Mesh from Abdominal Wall

    CPT-11010-DEBRIDEMENT-OPEN-FRACTURE-DISLOCATION

    CPT 11010: Debridement for Open Fracture or Dislocation

    CPT-11011-DEBRIDEMENT-OPEN-FRACTURE-DISLOCATION-DEEP-TISSUES

    CPT 11011: Debridement for Open Fracture or Dislocation

    CPT-11012-DEBRIDEMENT-OPEN-FRACTURE-DISLOCATION-DEEP-TISSUE

    CPT 11012: Debridement for Open Fracture Wound

    CPT-11042-SURGICAL-DEBRIDEMENT-SKIN-SUBCUTANEOUS

    CPT 11042: Surgical Debridement of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Up to 20 cm2

    Showing 1–10 of 14

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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