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CPT code 97597: Selective wound debridement, first 20 sq cm or less2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Santa Clara County, CA

Selective removal of devitalized tissue, fibrin, slough, or biofilm from an open wound, reported once per session for the first 20 square centimeters of total treated surface.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality684.9K Medicare services in 2024

In Santa Clara County, CA, Medicare pays $136.36 for 97597 in the office and $34.73 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$136.36Office (non-facility)
$34.73Hospital or facility
+34.3%vs the national office rate ($101.54)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 97597 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 97597 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Santa Clara County, CA
  2. What 97597 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 97597 covers

This service removes nonviable material from an open wound surface without removing subcutaneous tissue. Targets include fibrin, slough, exudate, debris, biofilm, and devitalized epidermis or dermis. Common methods are sharp selective debridement with forceps, scissors, scalpel, or curette, and high-pressure waterjet. The service includes wound assessment, topical applications, and instructions for ongoing care. Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, podiatrists, and physical therapists perform it in wound care clinics, offices, outpatient therapy departments, and nursing facilities. Typical wounds are diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, and slow-healing surgical wounds.

Report one unit per session for the first 20 sq cm or less of combined surface area across all wounds selectively debrided. Use 97598 for each additional 20 sq cm or part of it. Documentation should give each wound's location and length times width, the tissue removed, the instrument or method, and the depth reached. CMS assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day pre- and post-procedure care is included. Modifier 50 is inappropriate; no bilateral adjustment is available. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted. An assistant is paid only when medical necessity is documented.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How Santa Clara County, CA compares for 97597

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 97597 runs from $90.18 in Arkansas to $136.59 in San Benito County, CA. Santa Clara County, CA pays $136.36. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

97597 in Santa Clara County, CA vs other payment areas
  1. Santa Clara County, CA · this page$136.36
  2. Bakersfield, CA · California$108.54−$27.82
  3. Chico, CA · California$108.37−$27.99
  4. El Centro, CA · California$108.38−$27.98
  5. Fresno, CA · California$108.37−$27.99
  6. Hanford, CA · California$108.37−$27.99
  7. Los Angeles, CA · California$115.70−$20.66

Other areas in California first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

97597 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
Madera, CACalifornia$108.37$31.13
Merced, CACalifornia$108.37$31.13
Modesto, CACalifornia$108.37$31.13
Napa, CACalifornia$126.09$33.20
Oxnard, CACalifornia$115.23$31.92
Redding, CACalifornia$108.37$31.13
Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia$108.37$31.13
Riverside, CACalifornia$108.93$31.69

97597 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

Explore a state

Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$90.18

$122.48

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
97597 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$118.181
AL$91.461
AR$90.181
AZ$98.981
CA$108.37–$136.5929
CO$106.261
CT$108.151
DC$116.401
DE$100.601
FL$99.09–$107.163
GA$93.78–$103.152
GU$111.091
HI$111.091
IA$94.171
ID$94.671
IL$95.97–$105.024
IN$95.221
KS$93.531
KY$93.091
LA$92.86–$97.352
MA$105.57–$116.902
MD$102.55–$116.403
ME$94.92–$100.252
MI$95.25–$100.072
MN$102.531
MO$91.17–$97.953
MS$90.701
MT$101.541
NC$95.921
ND$100.551
NE$94.741
NH$104.401
NJ$109.59–$115.202
NM$95.661
NV$101.331
NY$97.30–$118.715
OH$95.041
OK$93.161
OR$100.74–$109.822
PA$95.31–$105.382
PR$102.341
RI$104.301
SC$95.601
SD$100.431
TN$93.961
TX$94.69–$105.748
UT$96.881
VA$99.78–$116.402
VI$102.341
VT$99.971
WA$105.43–$119.472
WI$97.241
WV$92.461
WY$101.101

See 97597 in every payment locality

How the 97597 rate is calculated

Each of 97597’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 97597

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.75

0.75 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense2.24

2.24 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.05

0.05 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

3.0400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$101.54

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Santa Clara County, CA inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

12,899

Code
97597
Physician work
0.75
Practice expense
2.24
Malpractice
0.05

GPCI2026.csv

28

Locality
Santa Clara County, CA
Physician work
1.110
Practice expense
1.442
Malpractice
0.397
Office calculation for 97597 in Santa Clara County, CA
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.75× 1.1100.8325
Practice expense2.24× 1.4423.2301
Malpractice0.05× 0.3970.0199
Total RVUs4.0824
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Santa Clara County, CA$136.36

Office: (0.75 × 1.11 + 2.24 × 1.442 + 0.05 × 0.397) × $33.4009 = $136.36

Facility: (0.75 × 1.11 + 0.13 × 1.442 + 0.05 × 0.397) × $33.4009 = $34.73

Open 97597 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 97597

The CMS indicators that decide how 97597 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 97597

Selective wound debridement, first 20 sq cm or less

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period000Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included.
Multiple procedures0No multiple-procedure reduction.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.

Codes related to 97597

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 97597
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, Santa Clara County, CA
Add-on codes
97598Wound debridement, each additional 20 cm²Add-on for each additional 20 sq cm of selectively debrided wound surface.$61.35
Used instead
97602Wound debridement, nonselective methodNonselective debridement, such as enzymatic or wet-to-moist care, used instead of selective removal.No office rate
11042Wound debridement, subcutaneous tissue, first 20 sq cmDebridement that removes subcutaneous tissue rather than material limited to the wound surface or skin.$175.81
11043Wound debridement, muscle or fascia, initial areaDebridement that removes muscle or fascia rather than material limited to the wound surface or skin.$301.51

How 97597 has changed in Santa Clara County, CA

97597 · Office / nonfacility

$136.36

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $7.56 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $128.80 to $136.36 (5.9%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $128.80changed to$136.36

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 0.77 changed to 0.75
    • Practice expense RVU 2.17 changed to 2.24
    • Work GPCI 1.100 changed to 1.110
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.435 changed to 1.442
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.420 changed to 0.397

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $134.12changed to$128.80

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 2.20 changed to 2.17
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $131.93changed to$134.12

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $133.59changed to$131.93

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 2.18 changed to 2.20
    • Work GPCI 1.098 changed to 1.100
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.409 changed to 1.435
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.417 changed to 0.420

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $135.02changed to$133.59

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 2.19 changed to 2.18
    • Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.06
    • Work GPCI 1.096 changed to 1.098
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.383 changed to 1.409
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.414 changed to 0.417

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $132.47changed to$135.02

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 2.12 changed to 2.19
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.07

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $125.50changed to$132.47

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 1.91 changed to 2.12
    • Malpractice RVU 0.06 changed to 0.05
    • Work GPCI 1.089 changed to 1.096
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.369 changed to 1.383
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.401 changed to 0.414

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $117.29changed to$125.50

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Work RVU 0.51 changed to 0.77
    • Practice expense RVU 1.99 changed to 1.91
    • Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.06
    • Work GPCI 1.083 changed to 1.089
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.354 changed to 1.369
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.388 changed to 0.401

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $109.85changed to$117.29

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 1.84 changed to 1.99

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $97.74changed to$109.85

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 1.60 changed to 1.84
    • Work GPCI 1.086 changed to 1.083
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.351 changed to 1.354
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.402 changed to 0.388

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $96.85changed to$97.74

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 1.59 changed to 1.60
    • Work GPCI 1.088 changed to 1.086
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.347 changed to 1.351
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.416 changed to 0.402

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $97.98changed to$96.85

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 1.60 changed to 1.59
    • Malpractice RVU 0.04 changed to 0.02

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $97.49changed to$97.98

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $97.06changed to$97.49

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 1.59 changed to 1.60
    • Malpractice RVU 0.05 changed to 0.04
    • Work GPCI 1.083 changed to 1.088
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.342 changed to 1.347
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.466 changed to 0.416

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $98.72changed to$97.06

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 1.74 changed to 1.59
    • Work GPCI 1.077 changed to 1.083
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.337 changed to 1.342
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.516 changed to 0.466

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. October 1, 2013

    RVU13D

    No ratechanged to$98.72

  17. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: No rate

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$136.36$34.73RVU26D
2026-07-01$136.36$34.73RVU26C
2026-04-01$136.36$34.73RVU26B
2026-01-01$136.36$34.73RVU26A
2025-10-01$128.80$38.75RVU25D
2025-07-01$128.80$38.75RVU25C
2025-04-01$128.80$38.75RVU25B
2025-01-01$128.80$38.75RVU25A
2024-10-01$134.12$39.54RVU24D
2024-07-01$134.12$39.54RVU24C
2024-04-01$134.12$39.54RVU24B
2024-03-09$134.12$39.54RVU24AR
2024-01-01$131.93$38.90RVU24A
2023-10-01$133.59$40.00RVU23D
2023-07-01$133.59$40.00RVU23C
2023-04-01$133.59$40.00RVU23B
2023-01-01$133.59$40.00RVU23A
2022-10-01$135.02$40.74RVU22D
2022-07-01$135.02$40.74RVU22C
2022-04-01$135.02$40.74RVU22B
2022-01-01$135.02$40.74RVU22A
2021-10-01$132.47$40.79RVU21D
2021-07-01$132.47$40.79RVU21C
2021-04-01$132.47$40.79RVU21B
2021-01-01$132.47$40.79RVU21A
2020-10-01$125.50$42.00RVU20D
2020-07-01$125.50$42.00RVU20C
2020-04-01$125.50$42.00RVU20B
2020-01-01$125.50$42.00RVU20A
2019-10-01$117.29$27.50RVU19D
2019-07-01$117.29$27.50RVU19C
2019-04-01$117.29$27.50RVU19B
2019-01-01$117.29$27.50RVU19A
2018-10-01$109.85$27.47RVU18D
2018-07-01$109.85$27.47RVU18C
2018-04-01$109.85$27.47RVU18B
2018-01-01$109.85$27.47RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$97.74$26.47RVU17D
2017-07-01$97.74$26.47RVU17C
2017-04-01$97.74$26.47RVU17B
2017-01-01$97.74$26.47RVU17A
2016-10-01$96.85$26.43RVU16D
2016-07-01$96.85$26.43RVU16C
2016-04-01$96.85$26.43RVU16B
2016-01-01$96.85$26.43RVU16A
2015-10-01$97.98$26.83RVU15D
2015-07-01$97.98$26.83RVU15C
2015-04-01$97.49$26.70RVU15B
2015-01-01$97.49$26.70RVU15A
2014-10-01$97.06$26.87RVU14D
2014-07-01$97.06$26.87RVU14C
2014-04-01$97.06$26.87RVU14B
2014-01-01$97.06$26.87RVU14A
2013-10-01$98.72$25.48RVU13D
2013-07-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13C
2013-04-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13B
2013-01-01Rate data unavailableRate data unavailableRVU13AR

Price 97597 for an earlier date of service

Where the Santa Clara County, CA rate applies

Santa Clara County, CA is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 24 cities and communities in California. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • San Jose
  • Santa Clara
  • Sunnyvale
  • Alum Rock
  • Burbank
  • Cambrian Park
  • Campbell
  • Cupertino

Browse all communities in California

97597 billing questions

How is wound size calculated when several wounds are debrided?

Add together the surface areas of all wounds that receive selective debridement in the session. Report 97597 once for the first 20 sq cm. Report 97598 for each additional 20 sq cm or part of it.

When should 11042 be reported instead of 97597?

Use 11042 when debridement removes subcutaneous tissue. Use 97597 when selective debridement removes material from the wound surface, epidermis, or dermis without removing subcutaneous tissue. Do not report both for the same wound.

Can 97602 be billed with 97597 for the same wound?

Do not report nonselective debridement under 97602 in addition to selective debridement under 97597 for the same wound in the same session.

Is a same-day E/M visit separately billable?

Assessment of the wound being debrided is included in the service. A significant, separately identifiable E/M service may be reported with modifier 25, but the note must support work beyond the debridement.

What modifier applies when a physical therapist performs the debridement?

When a physical therapist provides it under a therapy plan of care, Medicare expects the GP therapy modifier on the claim line.

What documentation supports the service?

Record each wound's location, length and width measurements, the tissue type removed, the instrument or method, and the depth reached. Also document the patient's tolerance and the ongoing care instructions given.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 97597PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 12,899 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Santa Clara County, CAGPCI2026.csv, line 28 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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