Excisional Debridement (1104x) vs. Surgical Preparation (1500x)

Question:

Our surgeon is taking a patient to the OR to excise a surgical wound dehiscence, which will be closed with a skin graft. We are looking at debridement codes 1104x and the skin graft codes (15xxx). Are we on track?

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to KZA!

You're on the right track with the skin graft codes (15xxx series). However, for the debridement portion, it's important to note that the 1104x codes are typically used when the wound is being debrided with the expectation of healing by secondary intention—that is, without primary closure or grafting.

In your scenario, since the wound will be closed with a skin graft, the more appropriate coding would come from the surgical preparation code set (15002–15005). These codes are specifically intended for excisional preparation of a wound bed before grafting or other definitive closure.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 9/25/25.