Coding for a Laceration Repair

Question:

I repaired a 12 cm jagged laceration of the midabdomen by undermining 1cm to release the skin edges. Due to the length of the laceration and potential wound tension concerns, I closed the laceration in layers and retention sutures are used. What procedure code should I report?

Answer:

Good question. Because Undermining of tissue under skin, retention sutures constitute a complex repair. Since the defect is 12 cm you would report CPT code 13101 for the first first 2.6 to 7.5 cm with 13102 for each additional 5 cm or less.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 08/03/23.