What code would you use to report the enlargement and exploration of a penetrating 5 cm stab wound to the upper thigh, with ligation of minor muscular blood vessel, and appropriate intermediate closure?
Explanation
Answer: B - You would use codes 20103 (Exploration of Penetrating Wound; Extremity) and 12032 (Repair, Intermediate, Wounds of Scalp, Axillae, Trunk and/or Extremities; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm). According to CPT guidelines, the exploration of the penetrating wound should be coded in addition to the wound repair because the procedure required a “ligation or coagulation of minor subcutaneous and/or muscular blood vessel(s)” The intermediate repair should be coded separately because the wound exploration code does not include closure of the wound after dissection.
