CPT 12051 Surgery - Integumentary

How Much Does Intermediate Wound Repair (Face, 2.5 cm or Less) Cost?

Also known as: Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/< (CPT 12051)

Intermediate (layered) repair of a wound on the face that is 2.5 cm or less, involving closure of deeper tissue layers.

The total estimated cost of Intermediate Wound Repair (Face, 2.5 cm or Less) (CPT 12051) is $358 to $582, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $149.

Total Estimated Cost of Care

$358 — $582

This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .

Surgeon/Physician Fee
$149
Hospital Facility Fee
$299
Important: The physician fee of $149 shown in the cost cards below is what Medicare pays the surgeon/doctor only. The hospital charges a separate facility fee that typically makes up 70-85% of the total cost.
Medicare Physician Fee (Facility Setting)
$149
Physician component only — CMS PFS 2026
Medicare Physician Fee (Office/Clinic)
$283
Non-facility setting

Patient Guide: Intermediate Wound Repair (Face, 2.5 cm or Less)

What you need to know before your appointment

What to Expect

The doctor numbs the area and carefully closes the wound in layers, first the deeper tissue and then the skin surface. This technique gives the best cosmetic result on the face.

How Long Does It Take?

30-45 minutes

Common Reasons Doctors Order This

Facial laceration, facial wound requiring careful cosmetic closure, deep facial cut

How to Prepare

Apply pressure to control bleeding. Do not apply any ointments. Facial stitches usually come out in 5-7 days for the best cosmetic result.

Procedures Commonly Done Together

These procedures are frequently performed alongside Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/<

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How to Reduce Your Cost for Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/<

Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars

  • 1
    Ask about cash-pay discounts

    Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.

  • 2
    Compare facility vs. office setting costs

    For this procedure, the office rate ($283) differs from the facility rate ($149). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.

  • 3
    Shop around — costs vary significantly

    Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.

How is the Price Calculated?

Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.

2.27
Work RVU
1.91
Practice Expense RVU
0.29
Malpractice RVU
8.47
Total RVU

Payment = Total RVU (8.47) x CF ($33.40) = $283

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/< cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/< is $149. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/< cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/< can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.

Does insurance cover Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/<?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Intmd rpr face/mm 2.5 cm/< when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.

Why does the cost vary so much by location?

Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.

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