Reshaping of the Internal Nasal Valve Region

Question:

My physician has started doing repairs for nasal valve collapse using low energy radiofrequency. We have been using the unlisted code 30999. Another coder told me that is no longer the correct code. Can you help?

Answer:

There is a CPT code 30469 for reporting remodeling of the nasal airway using low energy temperature controlled radiofrequency which was previously reported with the unlisted code 30999. 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.

Clarifying +G2211

Question:

My question is whether +G2211 is appropriate for vascular surgeons. Since the code has now been implemented, I’m wondering if it’s considered appropriate for those of us who manage long-term vascular patients over several years to use this add-on code until further guidance or changes occur.

Answer:

The add-on code +G2211 is not restricted by specialty and may be reported by any provider when the visit meets the required criteria. However, many interpretations suggest that the intent of the code is more closely aligned with primary care and the ongoing, relationship-based management of chronic or complex conditions, rather than procedural or single-episode care.

To use +G2211, the encounter must involve an office or outpatient E/M service (99202–99215) and reflect longitudinal or continuous care for a serious or complex condition. Documentation should support that the provider serves as a continuing focal point in the patient’s management and that the care provided extends beyond routine or acute treatment.

Because the code allows interpretive flexibility, its use in procedural specialties may carry a higher risk of audit or scrutiny.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.

Does a Figure-Eight Suture Qualify as Intermediate Repair?

Question:

I was told a figure eight suture is considered intermediate closure. Is this correct?

Answer:

A figure-eight suture is just a closure technique, not a repair classification. The depth of the wound and layers repaired determine whether the closure is coded as simple, intermediate, or complex.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.

Automated Skin Cell Suspension Autograft Procedures

Question:

A provider at our facility has begun performing the new 2025 skin cell suspension autograft procedure. During this process, automated preparation of the autograft is performed, including enzymatic processing, disaggregation of skin cells, and filtration of harvested tissue. Currently, there is no specific CPT code that describes this work. Since we are advised to report an unlisted code for this service, what comparative CPT code would you recommend using to help determine appropriate reimbursement?

Answer:

For SCSA procedures using automated preparation devices, report the harvest codes (15011-15012) and application codes (15015-15018) based on the surface areas involved. Do not report the preparation codes 15013-15014 when automated devices are used, as these codes are exclusively reserved for manual mechanical disaggregation of skin cells.

According to CPT Assistant (December 2024, June 2025), the Skin Replacement Surgery subsection guidelines explicitly state that codes 15013-15014 "are not reported if the harvested skin is nonmanually processed (i.e., using automation)." When automation is used, only the physician's work in harvesting and application is separately reportable.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.

Wound Vac with CPT Code 15002

Question:

I was hoping someone could answer a question for me. My Revenue analyst is telling us to bill a 15002, instead of a 11042 for chronic wound care when we are also doing a wound vac. In my opinion 15002 should not be used we are not prepping for tissue transfer.

Answer:

You're absolutely right to question this. CPT 15002 is specifically for "surgical preparation or creation of recipient site by excision of open wounds" in preparation for skin grafts or flaps. The key word is "preparation" - it's meant for wounds being readied for tissue transfer procedures.

If you're providing chronic wound care with wound vac (NPWT) therapy but not actively preparing for an immediate skin graft or flap, then 15002 is not appropriate.

CPT 11042 (debridement of subcutaneous tissue) is the correct code when you're performing debridement as part of chronic wound management, including when using negative pressure wound therapy.

Here's the distinction:

• 15002 = Debridement with the specific intent and plan to perform skin grafting/flap reconstruction

• 11042-11047 = Debridement for wound care management, infection control, or promoting healing

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.

Therapeutic Epidural Injection

Question:

I’ve just taken on coding for pain management and could use some assistance. A patient came to our pain management clinic with chronic lower back pain. The physician performs a therapeutic epidural steroid injection at the L4-L5 interspace using fluoroscopic guidance. The physician personally performs and documents the fluoroscopic guidance. What is the correct CPT code(s) for this procedure?

Answer:

Congratulations for your new role and thank you for reaching out to us. The recommended CPT code is 62323 - Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (e.g., anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, lumbar or sacral (caudal); with imaging guidance (i.e., fluoroscopy or CT).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/06/25.