Is Scar Revision Still Complex Closure?

Question:

I have a scar revision for the abdomen and was going to assign CPT 13101. My coding teammate told me this is no longer the current coding recommendation. Is scar revision still reported with complex closure?

Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry!

Yes, your fellow coder is correct. At one point, CPT did include scar revision within the complex closure guidelines. However, in 2020, the guidelines associated with closures were changed, and scar revision was removed from the complex closure definition.

To address this change, a coding tip was placed within the CPT book in 2020 stating: “To report scar revision, see the Skin, Subcutaneous, and Accessory Structures, Excision-Benign Lesion subsection codes (11400-11471).”

According to CPT guidelines, scar revision is no longer reported with complex wound closure. Coding recommendations and guidelines are subject to change, so coders must review them and utilize up-to-date coding resources.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 1/30/25.