Dbrdmt opn wnd 1st 20 cm/<

What is CPT Code 97597?

Active wound care management — debridement of open wounds by selective methods (removal of devitalized tissue), first 20 sq cm. Performed by wound care nurses, physical therapists, or physicians as part of active wound treatment.

The Medicare reimbursement rate shown above is the amount the federal government has determined is a reasonable payment for this service. Hospitals and providers that participate in Medicare have agreed to accept these rates from Medicare patients.

Who typically bills this:Wound care specialist, physical therapist, or podiatrist

Common Billing Errors for CPT 97597

• !Billed alongside 11042 on the same date for the same wound — these are mutually exclusive
• !Billed for dressing changes alone without documented active debridement
• !Surface area not documented, making the billed tier unverifiable

Red Flags on Your Bill

Negotiation Tips for CPT 97597

1. 197597 and 11042 should not both appear for the same wound on the same date — dispute the duplicate
2. 2Each visit should have a wound measurement; ask for the wound care notes to verify the billing matches the documented wound size
3. 3Outpatient wound care clinics and home health agencies often charge significantly less than hospital-based wound centers

Codes That Often Appear With This One

These CPT codes commonly appear on the same bill. Review each one to spot potential bundling errors or duplicate charges.

Found CPT 97597 on Your Bill?

If you see CPT code 97597 on a hospital or medical bill, compare the charged amount to the Medicare rate above. If your bill shows a significantly higher charge, you may have grounds to negotiate.

1. Note the amount charged for CPT 97597 on your itemized bill
2. Compare it to the Medicare rate above — calculate the markup
3. Call the billing department and use the Medicare rate as your anchor:“I see CPT code 97597 billed at [amount]. The Medicare rate for this procedure is $102.16. I'd like to discuss a fair adjustment.”