Summary & Overview
CPT 13102: Complex Repair of Trunk, Additional 5 cm or Less
CPT code 13102 designates a complex repair for each additional 5 cm or less of a wound on the trunk and is reported in addition to the primary complex repair code. Nationally, this code matters because it captures additional operative work when multiple complex wound sites require layered closure, direct coding for resource use, and appropriate payment separation for surgical services that extend beyond the primary repair.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for using 13102, its relationship to primary and related repair codes, and typical sites of service where the code is billed. The publication outlines expected documentation elements and common clinical scenarios that justify reporting an additional complex trunk repair.
The report provides benchmarks and coding guidance summaries for billing compliance, highlights payer coverage considerations, and clarifies how 13102 interacts with adjacent tissue transfer and intermediate repair codes. It is intended for coding professionals, surgical practices, and revenue cycle staff seeking a national-level reference on use and billing patterns for additional complex trunk wound repairs.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 13102 describes a complex repair of each additional 5 cm or less of a wound to the trunk. This code is reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code and is used to capture an additional complex wound repair site on the trunk.
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Service type: Complex wound repair (additional segment)
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgical center, or physician office where surgical wound repairs are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old male presents to the ambulatory surgical center after sustaining a traumatic abdominal wall laceration from a lawnmower injury. The primary surgeon performs a complex layered repair of a 6 cm trunk wound under monitored anesthesia care. During the same operative session there are two additional wounds on the trunk: one 4.5 cm and one 5.0 cm in length. The primary complex repair code for the trunk is reported for the largest wound and 13102 is reported for each additional 5 cm or less trunk wound. The clinical workflow includes preoperative consent, wound assessment and debridement, layered closure with repair of underlying fascia and subcutaneous tissue as needed, documentation of wound lengths and locations, application of dressings, and postoperative instructions for wound care and follow-up.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
59 | Distinct procedural service | When an additional complex repair represents a separate wound not typically bundled with the primary repair or other services on the same day |
51 | Multiple procedures |