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What is included in the wound exploration codes
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CPT® codes 20100-201103. Basically, the already open wound must be extended so that the physician can determine the extent of the injury. The exploration must be for an acute injury, it must be a penetrating wound and deeper structures of the muscle fascia and beyond must be explored. If only the skin and subcutaneous tissue are explored, the coder must refer to the integument system.
These codes include: layered closures, drain placements, removal of foreign bodies, ligation or coagulation of minor subcutaneous or muscular blood vessels. See note in CPT® on major blood vessel and structure repairs.