Wiki HELP? How to code I&D of Breast Abcess with Insertion of Penrose Drain?

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Nukegirl13

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How would you code this?

While I wanted to initially choose code 19020 because it is the more specific code for an I&D breast abscess, insertion of the penrose drain is NOT included in this code. I know Penrose drains are normally included in the I&D code and NOT billed separately, so that is why I would think that 10061 for complex abcess would be the right choice because it includes the drain as well??? Confused...someone please weigh in?!
 
Nukegirl13 said:
How would you code this?

While I wanted to initially choose code 19020 because it is the more specific code for an I&D breast abscess, insertion of the penrose drain is NOT included in this code. I know Penrose drains are normally included in the I&D code and NOT billed separately, so that is why I would think that 10061 for complex abcess would be the right choice because it includes the drain as well??? Confused...someone please weigh in?!
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just did this one through practicode and 19020 is the correct code
 
I also am trying to reason through the same practicode case with 'Incision and drainage and insertion of Penrose drain of Subareolar abscess' procedure. some of these cases are extremely difficult. I also have no medical background :) I was lucky to earn my coding credentials through 2 weeks of toilsome study and good instinct for my exam! Ill have to say practicode makes the exam seem like a walk in the park. Thanks for everyones input! I refer to these forums a lot!
 
Browan1 said:
I also am trying to reason through the same practicode case with 'Incision and drainage and insertion of Penrose drain of Subareolar abscess' procedure. some of these cases are extremely difficult. I also have no medical background :) I was lucky to earn my coding credentials through 2 weeks of toilsome study and good instinct for my exam! Ill have to say practicode makes the exam seem like a walk in the park. Thanks for everyones input! I refer to these forums a lot!
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I agree. I'm on this very question in Practicode. I passed my certification exam with 81%. Practicode makes me feel like I've never studied at all. :(
 
I agree on the Practicode this has been extremely difficult to try and pass to lose your apprenticeship status. And it is hard to find a job that only accepts someone as a CPC-A or with only 1 year of experience. It's very frustrating.

For this case the correct CPT Code for an Incision and drainage of a Penrose drain of Subareolar abscess is 19020 with LT modifier. :)
 
I'm working on this case right now. I'm so glad there are others who are finding Practicode hard. I have been trying so hard and I keep getting half my answers right. Thank you all so much for talking about this. I don't feel so alone.
 
@Maddygtru20 I finished Practicode; I did not do well at first but as I kept working through the cases I started catching on and noticing my mistakes. I didn't get a passing score but I am still able to use this as experience towards getting my 'A' knocked off of my credential and i can also use this as work experience. It was a great opportunity to actually use my code books, especially the CPT book. Anything I didn't understand, key words for procedures and other medical terminology; I would look up the definition or plug it in to AAPC codify (great tool) and get a further explanation on the CPT procedures. This course was a struggle but I am glad I took it and wish I could take it again now that I understand it better. Was a great experience and I can see how this would benefit new coders and experienced coders alike.
 
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