Billing for a Simple Repair of the Scalp

Question:

My physician is billing a simple repair of the scalp with CPT code 12001 when he uses steri-strips to do the repair. I don’t believe this is correct. Can we report the use of steri-strips alone to report a simple repair?

Answer:

According to CPT guidelines, repairs are reported when the provider utilizes sutures, staples, or tissue adhesives either singly or in combination with each other, or in combination with adhesive strips. Repairs utilizing adhesive strips alone are not separately reportable. They are part of the E/M service.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 5/22/25.