👅 Tongue Laceration Repair CPT Guidelines (41250, 41251, 41252)

Tongue lacerations are common oral cavity injuries, often caused by trauma, seizures, or biting accidents. Proper coding and documentation are essential because tongue repairs are coded differently based on location, size, and complexity.

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✅ CPT Codes for Tongue Laceration Repair

CPT 41250 — Repair of laceration ≤ 2.5 cm; floor of mouth and/or anterior two-thirds of tongue

• For small, simple lacerations in the front two-thirds of the tongue or floor of mouth.

• Superficial or limited to mucosa/muscle without significant complexity.

• Example: A 1.5 cm lateral tongue laceration closed with absorbable sutures → CPT 41250.

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CPT 41251 — Repair of laceration ≤ 2.5 cm; posterior one-third of tongue

• Used when the wound is located in the posterior third of the tongue (near base).

• Similar in size cutoff (≤ 2.5 cm) but location dictates this specific code.

• Example: A 2 cm laceration on the posterior tongue requiring closure → CPT 41251.

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CPT 41252 — Repair of laceration > 2.6 cm or complex; tongue and/or floor of mouth

• For larger (> 2.6 cm) or complex repairs, regardless of location.

• May involve:

  • Layered closure with muscle involvement

  • Extensive contamination

  • Significant functional or cosmetic concerns

• Example: A 3.5 cm deep tongue laceration involving muscle → CPT 41252.

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📌 Coding & Documentation Tips

• Measure and document wound length: ≤ 2.5 cm or > 2.6 cm determines CPT selection.

• Specify location: anterior two-thirds, posterior one-third, or floor of mouth.

• Describe complexity: layered closure, contamination, muscle involvement, etc.

• Do not use general skin repair codes (120xx) — intraoral laceration codes are specific.

• If multiple oral sites are repaired (e.g., lip + tongue), each may be billed separately if documented.

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🧾 Example Coding Scenarios

• Case 1: 2 cm anterior tongue wound → CPT 41250

• Case 2: 2 cm posterior tongue wound → CPT 41251

• Case 3: 3 cm deep tongue laceration with layered closure → CPT 41252

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🔑 Key Takeaway

When coding tongue laceration repairs, always document:

1. Length of the wound (≤ 2.5 cm vs. > 2.6 cm)

2. Location (anterior two-thirds, posterior one-third, floor of mouth)

3. Complexity (simple vs. layered closure)

Correct coding with CPT 41250, 41251, and 41252 ensures proper reimbursement and compliance.

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