How Much Does Treatment Superficial Wound Dehsn with Packing Cost?
Also known as: Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing (CPT 12021)
Treatment of a superficial wound dehiscence that requires packing rather than re-closure.
The total estimated cost of Treatment Superficial Wound Dehsn with Packing (CPT 12021) is $323 to $525, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $135.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Treatment Superficial Wound Dehsn with Packing
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The doctor cleans the opened wound and packs it with gauze to allow it to heal from the inside out. You will need regular wound packing changes.
How Long Does It Take?
15-30 minutes initially, then regular dressing changes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Infected surgical wound, wound too contaminated for closure, wound dehiscence requiring healing by secondary intention
How to Prepare
You may need to change wound packing at home. Follow wound care instructions. Report signs of infection (redness, warmth, increasing pain, drainage).
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing
How to Reduce Your Cost for Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing
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 ($186) differs from the facility rate ($135). 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.
Payment = Total RVU (5.56) x CF ($33.40) = $186
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing is $135. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing 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 Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Tx supfc wnd dehsn w/packing 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.