Laceration Repair CPT Guidelines: Complete Coding Reference for 2025

 Accurate coding of laceration repairs is essential for compliance, reimbursement, and reducing denials. The CPT® manual divides wound closure into simple, intermediate, complex, and secondary repair/dehiscence treatment. Each category has its own set of codes, determined by complexity, wound location, and length.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of all laceration repair CPT codes with examples, documentation tips, and key distinctions between simple closure, layered closure, complex repair, and dehiscence management.

1. Simple Repair (CPT 12001–12021)

Definition: Closure of superficial wounds involving only the epidermis, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue. One-layer closure (sutures, staples, or adhesives) or Electrocauterization of superficial wound.

Simple Repair CPT Codes

Scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities (including hands and feet):

  • 12001: ≤ 2.5 cm

  • 12002: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • 12004: 7.6 – 12.5 cm

  • 12005: 12.6 – 20.0 cm

  • 12006: 20.1 – 30.0 cm

  • 12007: > 30.0 cm

Face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes:

  • 12011: ≤ 2.5 cm

  • 12013: 2.6 – 5.0 cm

  • 12014: 5.1 – 7.5 cm

  • 12015: 7.6 – 12.5 cm

  • 12016: 12.6 – 20.0 cm

  • 12017: 20.1 – 30.0 cm

  • 12018: > 30.0 cm

Special Codes for Superficial Wound Dehiscence:

  • 12020: Treatment of superficial wound dehiscence; simple closure

  • 12021: Treatment of superficial wound dehiscence; with packing

2. Intermediate Repair (CPT 12031–12057)

Definition:

  • Layered closure of deeper layers (subcutaneous tissue and/or non-muscle fascia) plus skin

  • Or single-layer closure requiring extensive cleaning of heavily contaminated wound, debridement, or undermining

Intermediate Repair CPT Codes

Scalp, axillae, trunk, extremities (excluding hands and feet):

  • 12031: ≤ 2.5 cm

  • 12032: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • 12034: 7.6 – 12.5 cm

  • 12035: 12.6 – 20.0 cm

  • 12036: 20.1 – 30.0 cm

  • 12037: > 30.0 cm

Neck, hands, feet, external genitalia:

  • 12041: ≤ 2.5 cm

  • 12042: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • 12044: 7.6 – 12.5 cm

  • 12045: 12.6 – 20.0 cm

  • 12046: 20.1 – 30.0 cm

  • 12047: > 30.0 cm

Face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membranes:

  • 12051: ≤ 2.5 cm

  • 12052: 2.6 – 5.0 cm

  • 12053: 5.1 – 7.5 cm

  • 12054: 7.6 – 12.5 cm

  • 12055: 12.6 – 20.0 cm

  • 12056: 20.1 – 30.0 cm

  • 12057: > 30.0 cm

3. Complex Repair (CPT 13100–13160)

Definition: Repair requiring more than layered closure, often involving:

  • Scar revision

  • Significant undermining

  • Stents or retention sutures

  • Exposed bone, cartilage, tendon, or vessels

  • Extensive debridement prior to closure

Complex Repair CPT Codes

Trunk:

  • 13100: 1.1 – 2.5 cm

  • 13101: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • +13102: each additional 5 cm

Scalp, arms, and/or legs:

  • 13120: 1.1 – 2.5 cm

  • 13121: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • +13122: each additional 5 cm

Forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, feet:

  • 13131: 1.1 – 2.5 cm

  • 13132: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • +13133: each additional 5 cm

Eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips:

  • 13151: 1.1 – 2.5 cm

  • 13152: 2.6 – 7.5 cm

  • +13153: each additional 5 cm

Secondary/Delayed Closure:

  • 13160: Secondary closure of surgical wound or dehiscence (used for delayed closure or when a wound reopens extensively and requires complex re-closure).

4. Secondary Repair vs. Superficial Dehiscence

It’s important to distinguish 12020/12021 from 13160:

  • 12020–12021: For superficial wound dehiscence

    • 12020 = simple re-approximation

    • 12021 = wound packed for healing

  • 13160: For secondary closure of deeper or more complex wound dehiscence

    • Often involves undermining, excision of wound edges, or delayed closure of contaminated wounds.

Rule of thumb:

  • Minor, superficial wound reopening → 12020/12021

  • Significant surgical wound breakdown or delayed closure → 13160


5. Lip & Tongue laceration repair CPTs

6. Coding Tips & Best Practices


  • Add wound lengths: For multiple wounds of the same type/location, sum the lengths and bill one code.

  • Code separately: Different sites or complexity levels require separate codes (modifier -51 or -59 as appropriate).

  • Document clearly: Complexity, location, wound length, and any debridement or undermining.

  • Tissue adhesives: Report with the same codes; only Medicare uses G0168 when adhesive alone is used.

  • Postoperative dehiscence: Use 12020/12021 for superficial; 13160 for complex/secondary.

7. Example Coding Scenarios

  • 3 cm scalp laceration, simple closure → 12002

  • 6 cm facial wound, layered closure → 12053

  • 8 cm trunk laceration, undermining + retention sutures → 13101 + 13102

  • Post-op abdominal wound dehiscence, re-closure → 13160

  • Superficial dehiscence of knee incision, packed → 12021

Conclusion

  • Simple repairs (12001–12021): One-layer, superficial closure

  • Intermediate repairs (12031–12057): Layered closure

  • Complex repairs (13100–13153): Advanced closure with undermining, scar revision, or exposed structures

  • Dehiscence repairs:

    • 12020–12021 for superficial re-closure/packing

    • 13160 for secondary closure of surgical wound dehiscence

Accurate documentation of wound location, length, closure type, and complexity ensures proper CPT selection and reimbursement.

Knowledge Check: Quiz Time

❓Basic Laceration Repair CPT Quiz: Start Here

❓Advanced Laceration Repair CPT Quiz: Start Here

❓Expert Level Laceration Repair CPT Quiz: Start Here

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Disclaimer:

The content on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or billing advice. Always verify the latest CPT®, CMS, and payer guidelines before coding or submitting claims. The author and this website assume no responsibility for any loss, liability, or denial resulting from the use of this information.