CPT code 97605 refers to the use of a special pump to help heal wounds by drawing out fluids and infections. CPT 97605 represents “Negative pressure wound therapy (eg, vacuum assisted drainage collection), utilizing durable medical equipment (DME), including topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per session; total wound(s) surface area less than or equal to 50 square centimeters.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves a treatment that uses a small vacuum pump to clean and help heal small wounds. In this process, medical equipment is used to gently remove liquids and infectious material from the wound. This also includes a covering applied to the wound, checking the wound’s progress, and providing instructions for continued care at home. This particular code applies when the total area of the wound or wounds is less than or equal to 50 square centimeters. The procedure does not cover larger wounds or any advanced surgical repairs.
Common Names:
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
- Vacuum-Assisted Closure
- Wound VAC Therapy
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 0.55.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Vacuum-Assisted Wound Care Procedure
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients who have wounds that are not healing well using traditional methods. Common situations include diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds that have reopened, and wounds caused by accidents. Patients who undergo this procedure usually require assistance in draining fluids and preventing infection in their wounds to speed up the healing process.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- T81.4: Non-healing surgical wound, representing complications related to surgical incisions that take longer to heal than expected.
- E11.621: Type 2 Diabetes with foot ulcer, reflecting patients suffering from chronic wounds due to diabetes.
- L97.809: Non-pressure ulcer of unspecified part of lower leg, reflecting chronic wounds or open sores on the lower leg not caused by pressure.
Summary
In summary, code 97605 describes a procedure that uses controlled suction to help clean and heal small wounds. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 97605 include T81.4 (Non-healing surgical wound) and E11.621 (Type 2 Diabetes with foot ulcer).
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.