Two new CPT®1 codes for 2023 represent suture / staple removal:
- CPT 15853: Removal of sutures or staples not requiring anesthesia (List separately in addition to E/M code)
- CPT 15854: Removal of sutures and staples not requiring anesthesia (List separately in addition to E/M code)
These CPT codes can be used if the patient is not in a global period for the provider who removes the sutures / staples. In order to submit these codes a medically necessary E&M must be performed and documented as these two new codes can only be submitted as an add-on code to one of the following E&M services:
CPT® 99202, 99203, 99204, 99205, 99211, 99212, 99213, 99214, 99215, 99281, 99282, 99283, 99284, 99285, 99341, 99342, 99344, 99345, 99347, 99348, 99349, 99350. Because these are add-on codes, the E&M submitted for the same encounter does not need to be significant and separately identifiable from the suture / staple removal.
Common procedures which may include sutures/staples that have zero day global periods include:
- CPT® 28001: Incision and drainage, bursa, foot
- CPT® 28002: Incision and drainage below fascia, with or without tendon sheath involvement, foot; single bursal space
- CPT® 28003: Incision and drainage below fascia, with or without tendon sheath involvement, foot; multiple areas
- CPT® 28820: Amputation, toe; metatarsophalangeal joint
- CPT® 28825: Amputation, toe; interphalangeal joint
12023 CPT Professional. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) is copyright 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1981, 1983-2022 by the American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association (AMA).
