CPT Code 97597 for Wound Debridement (20 Square Centimeters or Less)

Learn about CPT code 97597, used for wound debridement procedures for 20 square centimeters (or less) wounds, through this guide.

Use Code

What is CPT code 97597?

CPT code 97597 is one of the codes used for reporting and billing open wound debridement procedures. The 97597 code description can be summarized with the following specifics:

Debridement via high-pressure water jet with or without suction, or sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel, and forceps.
The wound must be an open wound. This also includes traumatic wounds.
Debridement pertains to the removal of necrotic tissue (skin tissue, to be specific), fibrin, scabs, devitalized tissue, dried serous fluid, infected tissue, biofilm, etc.
The procedure also involves wound assessment, topical applications of wound care services, use of whirlpool debridement, and issuing of instructions for ongoing care (active wound care management) per session.
The total wound surface area should only be 20 square centimeters or less.
The debridement involved in this code is a kind that spares viable tissue and is essential for promoting granulation and wound healing.

CPT code 97597 documentation requirements

In order to use this CPT code, one must carefully document the following:

Document the medical necessity of the debridement, specifically the rationale as to why you settled for this procedure and the healing of the wound.

You have to document the size of the wound. Remember that the wound size limitation is 20 square centimeters.
Must include the specific location of the wound, with an indication of the wound's specific stage (e.g. stage 2 pressure ulcer). You must also document any complications that have emerged because of this wound, like wound infection.
The specific debridement techniques you used should also be documented, such as resorting to mechanical tools or resorting to sharp debridement. All tools used must also be indicated.
Descriptions of the tissues that were removed are also required, along with topical applications (e.g., hydrocolloid dressings) used to cover the wound.
If a whirlpool is used, the medical necessity of its use must be documented.
Even the instructions for wound care that you provided to the patient must be documented.
The time spent on the debridement procedure must also be documented.

CPT code 97597 billing guidelines

As mentioned, if a whirlpool is used, it must be mentioned and documented. Do note that sometimes it's billed as a separate service. The only time you billed the whirlpool separately is if it was used on a different body part, or if the use of a whirlpool is documented to be a separate, identifiable service.

You also can't bill this alongside CPT codes 11042 to 11047 for the same specific wound on the same day.

If the wound reaches the subcutaneous tissue, please note that you can't use this code. You must settle for CPT codes 11042 to 11047, which are for deep tissue wound debridements.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. If you are able to identify the whirlpool as a separate service, please use Modifier 59.

Please use CPT code 97598 is the wound is above 20 square centimeters.

It is time-based. It represents a single session for debridement. There is no length of time requirements, but documenting the start and end times, along with the duration of the procedure, is required.