Wound debridement codes are intended for acute wounds that are debrided of devitalized tissue. Debridement is measured in total depth and surface area, going from skin level down to the bone.
● 97597 Debridement (e.g., high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps), open wound (e.g., fibrin, devitalized epidermis and/or dermis, exudate, debris, biofilm), including topical application(s), wound assessment, use of a whirlpool, when performed and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session, total wound(s) surface area; first 20 sq cm or less.
● 97598 Debridement each additional 20 sq cm, or part thereof (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure). Use 97598 in conjunction with 97597. Note: Log 97598 for each occasion of 20 sq cm after the initial 20 sq cm.
Example: If the treatment area is 60 sq cm
Log codes as follows:
97597 x 1
97598 x 2
Please see WoundCare POSTette for additional information and clinical examples when using the Wound Debridement CPT codes.