ICD-10-CPT Coding Practice Exam

The correct answer is Intermediate. In coding for wound repairs, an intermediate repair is used when the wound requires a layered closure, which includes the closure of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, often with the need for sutures or staples. This type of repair is appropriate in situations where a simple closure is insufficient due to the complexity of the wound, particularly in instances where the wound is heavily contaminated and demands extensive cleaning or debridement before repair.

An intermediate repair indicates a certain level of complexity and involves more than just the superficial layers of skin, necessitating a more meticulous approach to achieve close and effective healing. This is distinct from other types of repairs; for instance, a simple repair is used for straightforward lacerations that involve only the skin. Complex repairs would be more extensive than intermediate, often involving complicated surgical techniques or deeper structures, which does not specifically match the inquiry about layered closure for contaminated wounds. Partial repair isn't a recognized term in the context of wound closures, making intermediate the most suitable choice in this scenario.