13160 in Addition to Tendon Repair?
Question:
We have a patient who sustained a laceration that was repaired in an emergency room. The patient now presents to our plastic hand surgeon to repair a lacerated tendon. The previously closed wound is opened, and the tendon repair is performed. Would it be appropriate to report 13160 in addition to the tendon repair CPT?
Answer:
No – an opening and closure are inherent in the tendon repair.
In this scenario, it would not be appropriate to report CPT 13160 in addition to the tendon repair – closure is inclusive.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 5/22/25.