ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Remember, there's a pair of 10061 scenarios -- and 1 doesn't require complicated I&D. If you fail to find multiple or complicated incision and drainage (I&D) coding opportunities, you could be costing your ED about $66 per patient mistake. Use this incisive advice to pop the bubble of mystery surrounding I&D coding, and get it right every time. Mark Single Superficial I&Ds With 10060 CPT indicates that for superficial I&D, you should report 10060 (Incision and drainage of abscess [e.g., carbuncle, supprative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia; simple or single]), confirms Joshua Tepperberg, CPC, EMT-D, coding team leader at Caduceus Inc. in New York City. Use this code only if the physician performs simple I&D on a single cyst. 'Simple' cyst hallmarks: A superficial I&D usually involves the dermis and epidermis, says Tepperberg. "A superficial abscess will usually be right at the skin surface and will require [...]