97597 Debridement opn wnd first 20 centimeters/<
Also known as: Wound debridement, Non-selective debridement, Dressing debridement
Debridement of open wound by non-selective method (wet-to-moist dressings, enzymatic, or autolytic) for first 20 square centimeters or less.
In Plain Language
Cleaning dead tissue from open wound
Clinical Context
Used for chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, and surgical wounds. Non-selective removal of necrotic and devitalized tissue.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.75 |
| Total RVU | 0.75 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.75, this code ranks in the 48th percentile among Medicine codes — 1.0x below the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 97597?
CPT 97597 (Debridement opn wnd first 20 centimeters/<) is a Medicine code. Debridement of open wound by non-selective method (wet-to-moist dressings, enzymatic, or autolytic) for first 20 square centimeters or less.
Who uses CPT code 97597?
CPT 97597 is used by Wound Care, Physical Therapy, Nursing. Used for chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, and surgical wounds. Non-selective removal of necrotic and devitalized tissue.
When is CPT 97597 used?
Used for chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, and surgical wounds. Non-selective removal of necrotic and devitalized tissue.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.