Selective Debridement of Multiple Ulcers

Question:

Selective debridement was performed on 3 separate ulcers, 3 ulcers of the distal legs; 2 are on the right leg and 1 is on the left leg. Depth and size of debridement is documented as 

1. 15 sq cm, skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle, right leg 

2. 10 sq cm, skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle, left leg 

3. 10 sq cm, skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone 

How is this reported? 

Answer:

Selective debridement of ulcer of the same depth are added together, regardless of their location. So, in the above scenario, the debridement of subcutaneous tissue and muscle are summed, for a total of 25 square centimeters. This is reported as codes, 11043 Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (includes epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, if performed); first 20 sq cm or and +11046 each additional 20 square cm or part thereof.  

The additional 10 square centimeter to a depth to bone are reported with code 11044, Debridement, bone (includes epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and/or fascia, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less.  

*This response is based on the best information available as of 3/14/24.