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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Not Every Pain in the Rear is a Pilonidal Cyst

Published on Tue Aug 23, 2011

Question: Can you help me with CPT® code assignment for this procedure? The chart note reads: Exam reveals an abscess on the buttocks. The skin overlying the abscess was cleaned with Betadine x 3, anesthetized with 1% 3 cc xylocaine with epinephrine. The abscess was incised with a 15 blade and was productive of purulent fluid. Approximately 2 cc of pus was expressed from the abscess. A wound culture was done. The wound was then explored sterilely with a hemostat. Idoform gauze was used to pack the wound and for drainage. EPB was minimal. A dressing was applied." Is this buttock abscess the same as a pilonidal cyst?New Jersey SubscriberAnswer: Pilonidal actually means "nest of hair" in Latin. These cysts are typically found in the upper cleft of the buttocks in the midline and originate from an embryonic remnant of tissue that becomes secondarily infected, sometimes starting from an ingrown [...]
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