11042 Debridement subcutaneous tissue first 20sqcm/<
Also known as: Subcutaneous debridement, Fat layer removal, debridement to subcutaneous, wound debridement, tissue debridement subcutaneous
Debridement of subcutaneous tissue, first twenty square centimeters or less. Removal of necrotic or contaminated fatty tissue from superficial areas.
In Plain Language
Fat tissue cleanup; Superficial tissue removal
Clinical Context
Used for necrotizing soft tissue infections, severely traumatized subcutaneous tissue, or infected fatty areas.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.98 |
| Total RVU | 0.98 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.98, this code ranks in the 4th percentile among Surgery codes — 8.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 11042?
CPT 11042 (Debridement subcutaneous tissue first 20sqcm/<) is a Surgery code. Debridement of subcutaneous tissue, first twenty square centimeters or less. Removal of necrotic or contaminated fatty tissue from superficial areas.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 11042?
The work RVU for CPT 11042 is 0.98. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Wound Care, Plastic Surgery.
When is CPT 11042 used?
Used for necrotizing soft tissue infections, severely traumatized subcutaneous tissue, or infected fatty areas.
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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.