CPT 11047Surgery

Dbrdmt bone each addl

CPT 11047 covers the additional debridement (removal of dead or damaged tissue) down to the bone for each extra wound site beyond the first. It's billed when a healthcare provider needs to clean multiple deep wounds in a single session.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$117.42

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.8

PE RVU (NF)

1.48

MP RVU

0.35

Total RVU

3.63

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always bill 11047 with primary debridement code 11044 or 11046; never bill 11047 alone as it is an add-on code (+)
Impact: Failure to bill with primary code results in 100% denial; correct sequencing is mandatory for any payment
Document each additional wound site separately with distinct anatomical location, surface area, and depth to bone
Impact: Specific documentation supports medical necessity and can justify $117.42 per additional site in non-facility settings
Verify place of service coding as facility vs non-facility rates differ by $23.94 (20% variance)
Impact: Incorrect POS coding can result in underpayment of $23.94 per unit or potential overpayment recoupment
Report units correctly based on number of additional sites, not total surface area; each anatomically distinct site is one unit
Impact: Overcoding units based on area rather than sites triggers audits; undercoding loses $117.42 per missed site
Check Medicare LCD/NCD for debridement frequency limitations in your MAC jurisdiction; some MACs limit to 1-2 per week
Impact: Exceeding frequency limits without ABN results in denials; proper ABNs transfer financial liability to patient
Use modifier 59 or XS when billing multiple debridement codes on same date to bypass CCI edits for distinct sites
Impact: Proper modifier use prevents automatic bundling denials that would reduce payment to single-site rate

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is CPT code 11047 used for?

CPT 11047 is an add-on code for debridement of each additional wound site down to the bone level, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, fascia, and bone. It must be billed with primary debridement codes 11044 or 11046 when multiple distinct anatomical sites require bone-level debridement.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 11047 in 2025?

Medicare pays $117.42 for CPT 11047 in non-facility settings and $93.48 in facility settings based on the 2025 national average rates. Actual payment may vary by geographic location based on GPCI adjustments.

Can CPT 11047 be billed alone or does it require another code?

CPT 11047 cannot be billed alone; it is an add-on code (designated with a + symbol) that must be reported with primary debridement codes 11044 or 11046. Billing 11047 without a primary code will result in denial.

How many units of 11047 can I bill for multiple wound sites?

Bill one unit of 11047 for each additional wound site beyond the first that requires debridement to bone level. The number of units should equal the number of additional distinct anatomical sites, not the total surface area. Each site must be separately documented.

What is the difference between CPT 11047 and 11045?

CPT 11047 is for debridement extending to bone on additional sites, while 11045 is for debridement of subcutaneous tissue and muscle (not to bone) on additional sites. The key difference is depth: 11047 includes bone debridement while 11045 stops at muscle fascia level.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 11047?

Common modifiers for 11047 include 59 or XS (distinct procedural service for separate anatomical sites), RT/LT (right/left laterality), 76 (repeat procedure by same physician), and 78 (unplanned return to OR for complication). Modifier selection depends on the specific clinical scenario.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 11047?

Documentation must include anatomical location of each wound site, surface area measurements, confirmation that debridement extended to bone level, description of tissue removed, medical necessity justification, and evidence of distinct separate sites. Wound diagrams or photographs strengthen documentation.