CPT code 11043 refers to a procedure where damaged or dead tissue is cleaned away from a muscle or its surrounding tissue. CPT 11043 represents “Debridement, muscle and/or fascia (includes epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, if performed); first 20 sq cm or less.”
Procedure Explanation:
This surgical procedure involves removing unwanted tissue from muscles and the layer of tissue surrounding them, called fascia. It also may involve cleaning up the skin above (including all its layers) and the fat just beneath it. However, anything beyond the first 20 square centimeters would need further procedures to be done.
Common Names:
- Muscle Debridement
- Fascia Debridement
- Tissue Cleaning Surgery
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 2.7.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Muscle and Fascia Tissue Removal
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Debridement of Muscle and Surrounding Tissue
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is typically used for patients who have wounds where the tissue is either infected or unresponsive to other treatments. For instance, this might involve someone suffering from a severe skin infection that has spread to deeper tissues, requiring the removal of damaged areas.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- L89.3: This code is used for pressure ulcers, which are painful wounds often occurring in bedridden patients. They can progress to a stage where tissue around the muscle is affected.
- T79.3: This represents post-traumatic wound infection not classified elsewhere. It applies to wounds that became infected after an injury.
- L97.9: This code applies to chronic skin ulcers on any part of the lower leg where the underlying muscle and fascia are impacted.
Summary
In summary, code 11043 describes the removal of damaged tissue from muscle and surrounding areas. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 11043 include L89.3 (Pressure Ulcer) and T79.3 (Post-Traumatic Wound Infection).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.