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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesMedical And Surgical SuppliesHCPCS hcpcs-a6253-specialty-absorptive-wound-dressing-48sqin
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    HCPCS Level II A6253: Specialty Absorptive Sterile Wound Dressing

    HCPCS Level II code A6253 describes a specialty absorptive sterile wound dressing — a wound cover pad larger than 48 square inches without an adhesive border, supplied as an individual dressing; this item is used for wound management and absorption of exudate, typically provided as a durable medical supply in outpatient clinics, wound care centers, home health settings, or long-term care facilities for patients requiring large, non-adhesive sterile dressings.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Salivary Hormone Testing, Parathyroid Hormone, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium Testing, Bone Turnover Markers Testing.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient with a chronic, non-healing sacral pressure ulcer is seen in a wound care clinic. The wound measures 6 inches by 5 inches with moderate exudate and requires a specialty absorptive sterile dressing without an adhesive border to manage drainage and protect surrounding fragile skin. A wound care nurse or physician applies A6253 dressing in the clinic after wound cleansing and debridement as indicated. The dressing is secured with secondary fixation (bandage or tape), and the patient or caregiver is given instructions for dressing changes and follow-up. Typical documentation includes wound size, amount of exudate, dressing type and size (A6253), procedure performed (e.g., wound cleansing, sharp debridement if done), provider and taxonomy, date and time of service, and plan for next dressing change and follow-up visits.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    97605Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), using disposable single-use pump, including dressing changes, total wound(s) surface area up to 50 sq cmMay be performed before or instead of large absorptive dressings for wounds requiring active exudate management.
    97597Debridement, open wound, selective debridement including topical application(s), without anesthesia, first 20 sq cm or lessPerformed prior to application of A6253 when sharp or selective debridement is needed.
    97598Debridement, open wound, each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (list separately in addition to code for primary debridement)Used in combination with 97597 for larger wounds requiring extensive debridement before dressing application.
    11042Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis, if performed); first 20 sq cm or lessSurgical debridement that may precede application of a specialty dressing in an operating or procedural setting.
    97012Application of a modality to one or more areas; traction, mechanical (separate procedure)Used adjunctively in broader wound management plans but not directly for dressing application; included as a commonly performed supportive therapy.

    Related Modifiers

    8 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…
    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…
    54Modifier ‑54 (“Surgical care only”) is appended to a CPT surgical procedure when the reporting surgeon performs the intraoperative (surgical) component but does not furnish the preoperative and/or…- Use modifier -54 when the reporting surgeon provided only the intraoperative (surgical) component of a procedure and preoperative and/or postoperative management has been or will be provided by…
    55Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    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…
    207L00000XAnesthesiology PhysicianAn anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
    363LP1700XPerinatal Nurse PractitionerPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
    1223G0001XGeneral Practice DentistryA general dentist is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. The general dentist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, manag…
    207PS0010XSports Medicine (Emergency Medicine) PhysicianAn emergency physician with special knowledge in sports medicine is responsible for continuous care in the field of sports medicine, not only for the …
    363LN0005XCritical Care Neonatal Nurse PractitionerPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
    225A00000XMusic TherapistMusic therapists use music interventions to assess clients' strengths and needs, develop goals, implement services, and evaluate and document progress…
    363LC0200XCritical Care Medicine Nurse PractitionerPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Endocrinology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Salivary Hormone TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Parathyroid Hormone, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Bone Turnover Markers TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Testosterone — Coverage Criteria for Measurement and MonitoringOscar Health2026-10-01
    Diabetes Mellitus Testing — Coverage CriteriaOscar Health2026-10-01
    Thyroid Disease TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Thyroid Disease Testingblue cross blue shield - louisiana2026-09-15
    Thyroid Disease TestingBlue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico2026-09-04
    Parathyroid Hormone, Phosphorous, Calcium and Magnesium TestingBlue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico2026-09-04
    Testosterone laboratory testing and managementPremera Bluecross2026-09-04

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-A4206-STERILE-SYRINGE-1CC-NEEDLE

    HCPCS A4206: Syringe with Needle, 1 cc or Less, Sterile

    HCPCS-A4207-STERILE-2CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

    HCPCS Level II A4207: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 2 cc

    HCPCS-A4208-STERILE-3CC-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE

    HCPCS Level II A4208: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 3 cc

    HCPCS-A4209-STERILE-SYRINGE-WITH-NEEDLE-5CC-OR-GREATER

    HCPCS Level II A4209: Syringe with Needle, Sterile 5 cc or Greater

    HCPCS-A4210-NEEDLE-FREE-INJECTION-DEVICE

    HCPCS Level II A4210: Needle-free Injection Device, Each

    HCPCS-A4211-SUPPLIES-SELF-ADMINISTERED-INJECTIONS

    HCPCS Level II A4211: Supplies for Self-Administered Injections

    HCPCS-A4212-NON-CORING-NEEDLE-STYLET-CATHETER-ACCESS-SUPPLY

    HCPCS Level II A4212: Non-coring Needle or Stylet with/without Catheter

    HCPCS-A4213-STERILE-SYRINGE-20CC-OR-GREATER

    HCPCS Level II A4213: Syringe, Sterile, 20 cc or Greater, Each

    HCPCS-A4215-STERILE-NEEDLE-SINGLE-EACH

    HCPCS Level II A4215: Needle, Sterile, Any Size

    HCPCS-A4216-STERILE-DILUENT-FLUSH-10ML

    HCPCS Level II A4216: Sterile Diluent/Flush, 10 ml

    Showing 1–10 of 633

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    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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