CPT Code 11720 – Updated Billing, Description & Medicare Guidelines (2025)
If you’ve ever struggled to correctly bill nail debridement services or received denials from payers like Medicare you’re not alone. In podiatry and general practice, coding CPT Code 11720 the right way can make or break your reimbursement workflow.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll break down what CPT Code 11720 means, when to use it, which modifiers apply, and how it compares to related codes like 11721, 11056, and G0127. We’ll also sprinkle in real-world insights to help billing teams and providers avoid common mistakes.
What Does CPT Code 11720 Mean?
CPT Code 11720 is used for the debridement of one to five nails due to conditions such as onychomycosis (fungal nails), hypertrophy, or dystrophy.
CPT 11720 Description (per AMA)
11720 – Debridement of nail(s) by any method(s); one to five
This code covers trimming and reduction beyond routine nail care—it applies when the procedure is medically necessary and requires clinical intervention, especially for patients with systemic conditions like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy.
Nail Debridement vs. Nail Trimming: What's the Difference?
Here’s where many practices get tripped up:
- Nail debridement (11720) is therapeutic, often removing thickened or diseased nail material to reduce pain or infection risk.
- Nail trimming (G0127) is routine care, typically not reimbursed unless specific criteria are met.
Real Insight: “A lot of denials happen when providers confuse routine trimming with true debridement. Always document patient symptoms and systemic conditions.” — Linda C., Billing Director
When to Use CPT 11720 vs 11721 vs G0127
CPT Code | Description | When to Use |
11720               | Debridement of 1–5 nails              | Moderate number of nails needing treatment |
11721 | Debridement of 6 or more nails | Extensive debridement needed |
G0127 | Trimming of nails, any number | Routine nail trimming (rarely reimbursed) |
If a patient needs treatment on more than five nails, CPT Code 11721 is more appropriate.
Documentation Requirements for CPT Code 11720
To avoid audit flags or denials, documentation must include:
- Medical necessity (e.g., pain, infection, systemic disease)
- Number of nails treated
- Methods used (mechanical, rotary, manual, etc.)
- Conditions warranting treatment (e.g., diabetes, neuropathy)
Pro Tip: Pair this with a Q modifier (e.g., Q8 or Q9) if the patient is under Medicare and qualifies under their high-risk foot care policy.
Does CPT Code 11720 Need a Modifier?
Yes, sometimes. Here’s a breakdown:
- Modifier 59: When billing 11720 with other procedures (e.g., 11056 or 27652) on the same day, to show distinct services.
- Q7, Q8, or Q9: Required for Medicare foot care claims to show systemic disease risk level.
- Modifier 25: If an E/M visit is also billed on the same day and separately significant.
Incorrect modifier use is one of the top reasons for claim rejections especially with Medicare.
11720 CPT Code Reimbursement (Medicare 2025 Rates)
Reimbursement rates for CPT Code 11720 vary by location and setting. On average in 2025:
- Medicare national average: ~$35–$45
- Private insurers: $40–$80 depending on contract
- Self-pay/cash rate: Often ranges from $50–$100
Make sure to check local coverage determinations (LCDs) to understand payer-specific rules.
Common Coding Mistakes to Avoid
- Using 11720 for routine trimming
- Skipping the systemic condition in documentation
- Not specifying the number of nails
- Omitting Q modifiers for Medicare patients
- Missing modifier 59 when billed with other procedures
Real-World Workflow Tip
“We created a front-desk script for Medicare patients with nail issues. It helps us flag potential systemic conditions early so providers can document fully. Our denial rate dropped by 30%.”
Erica M., Revenue Cycle Manager
Related CPT Codes Worth Knowing
- 11721 – Debridement of 6+ nails
- 11719 – Trimming of non-diseased nails
- 11056 – Paring of hyperkeratotic lesions (2–4)
- 27652 – Repair of Achilles tendon (not related but often billed together)
- G0127 – Routine trimming of any number of nails (Medicare HCPCS)
Final Thoughts
Using CPT Code 11720 correctly can dramatically improve both patient outcomes and billing efficiency. The key lies in accurate documentation, modifier use, and knowing when to differentiate it from 11721 or G0127.
If your clinic or podiatry practice struggles with repeated denials, let our billing experts help. From code audits to training, we ensure you’re paid for every covered service—without the paperwork headaches.
- Want fewer denials and faster reimbursements for your podiatry or wound care services?
Let our certified medical billers handle CPT Code 11720 for you. - Contact us for a free billing review today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CPT 11720 covers the debridement of 1 to 5 nails due to conditions like onychomycosis (fungal nails), thickened nails, or trauma-related changes. It involves removing diseased nail material not just trimming. We often see providers confuse it with routine nail care, but 11720 is for medically necessary debridement only.
Yes, if you’re billing an office visit (like 99211 or 99213) on the similar day as 11720, and the visit is distinctly identifiable, add Modifier 25 to the E/M code. For example, if the patient is also being managed for diabetes or hypertension in addition to nail debridement, document both clearly and bill with the modifier.
Medicare only covers CPT 11720 when strict medical necessity criteria are met—such as a qualifying systemic disease (like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease) and clinical symptoms like pain or infection. You must follow your MAC’s LCD policy and clearly document why routine trimming wouldn’t be enough. Lack of this detail is the #1 denial reason we see at Express Medical Billing.
No, you should bill either CPT 11720 (1–5 nails) or CPT 11721 (6+ nails)—not both. Choose the correct code based on the number of nails debrided in a single session. We often correct this mistake during billing audits to prevent denials or takebacks.
Reimbursement varies, but Medicare typically pays around $35–$45, depending on geographic location. Private payers may offer slightly more. To get paid correctly, make sure your documentation includes the patient’s qualifying condition, nail diagnosis (like onychogryphosis or onychomycosis), and the number of nails treated.
