Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

External Vs. Internal Abscess Will Determine I&D Code Choice

Published on Tue Sep 20, 2011

Question: Can anyone tell me the correct CPT® code for an I & D of a knee abscess? I am confused on whether it should be 10060, 10061 or 20600-20610. How do I determine which set of codes to use? Indiana SubscriberAnswer: You would report codes 10060 (Incision and drainage of abscess [e.g., carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia]; simple or single) or 10061 (Incision and drainage of abscess [e.g., carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia]; complicated or multiple) if the abscess is located on the external surface of the knee. In contrast, codes 20600-20610 describe arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection of a joint or bursa, such as injecting or removing fluid from within the joint space of the knee. If that is the scenario in your chart, report 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (e.g. shoulder, [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All