CPT® Code 12002 is used to report the simple repair of superficial lacerations to the scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk, and/or extremities (including the hands and feet) measuring 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm in length. Simple repair involves straightforward closure of the skin using sutures, staples, tissue adhesive, or adhesive strips without extensive cleaning, removal of foreign material, or layered closure.
This code applies when the repair involves only the epidermis and dermis and does not require deeper tissue repair.
Key Facts About CPT® 12002
Service type: Simple repair of superficial laceration
Provider type: Physicians and qualified healthcare professionals
Medical services included: Yes—wound closure of superficial skin layers
Wound length: 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
Repair complexity: Simple (single-layer closure)
Common clinical indications:
- Accidental cuts or lacerations from sharp objects
- Minor traumatic wounds
- Superficial injuries requiring sutures or staples
- Emergency or urgent care wound treatment
- Minor surgical wound closures
When to Use CPT® 12002
CPT 12002 is appropriate when:
- A superficial laceration measuring between 2.6 cm and 7.5 cm is repaired
- The wound involves only the epidermis and dermis
- Closure is performed using sutures, staples, tissue adhesive, or wound closure strips
- The repair does not involve layered closure or extensive reconstruction
- The procedure is medically necessary to restore skin integrity
Examples:
- Suturing a 4 cm superficial laceration on the forearm from a kitchen knife injury
- Repairing a 6 cm superficial cut on the lower leg after a fall
- Closing a superficial laceration on the hand using sutures in an urgent care setting
- Repairing a superficial scalp laceration without layered closure
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 12002 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Exact wound location
- Measured wound length in centimeters
- Confirmation that the repair was simple and superficial
- Method of closure used (sutures, staples, adhesive, or strips)
- Clinical indication and medical necessity
- Description of wound cleaning and preparation
- Provider credentials and signature
Accurate documentation ensures correct code selection, supports reimbursement, and protects against audits.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 12002 is typically covered when medically necessary
- Reimbursement is based on wound length and repair complexity
- If multiple wounds are repaired, lengths of wounds in the same repair category may be summed
- Different repair complexities (simple, intermediate, complex) must be coded separately
- Evaluation and Management (E/M) services may be billed separately if significant and distinct, using modifier -25
- Always verify payer-specific coding and reimbursement guidelines
Proper coding ensures accurate reimbursement and compliance with payer requirements.
How OptiMantra Supports Laceration Repair Documentation and Billing
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system simplifies documentation and billing for CPT 12002:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Document wound location, length, and repair method in structured clinical templates
- Record procedural details and medical necessity clearly within the patient chart
- Link procedures to diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care
- Support accurate billing codes selection for compliant billing workflows
- Maintain complete longitudinal records for ongoing wound care and healing
By streamlining procedural documentation and billing workflows, OptiMantra helps practices improve efficiency, maintain compliance, and optimize reimbursement.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
Disclaimer: CPT® codes are maintained by the American Medical Association. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official coding guidelines or payer policies.
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