Does a Cyst Removal Require an Excision or I&D Code?
Question: I’m having difficulty determining if the following surgical documentation supports an excision or incision and drainage code: Sebaceous cyst back 7 cm in diameter A linear incision along the local skin line was made and the sebaceous material was expressed. The cyst was explored thoroughly, and the capsule wall was removed. Closure: 1 deep layer for 3-0 vicryl, 1 stitch. 3 simple interrupted sutures 3-0 prolene to close the skin. Should I report 11406 or 10060 for the procedure? North Dakota Subscriber Answer: Assign 11406 (Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter over 4.0 cm) to report this surgical procedure. The provider’s removal of the capsule wall required more work than what would be needed for 10060 (Incision and drainage of abscess (eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia); simple or single). A sebaceous cyst is a small bump that develops under the skin, and it is filled with sebum and keratin. The cyst forms when the glands that produce oil (sebum) become damaged or blocked. Sebaceous cysts often develop on the patient’s face, neck, or trunk. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC
