Outpatient Facility Coding Alert
Code 10060 for Simple Drainage of Abscess
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Question: The provider entered an abscess pocket and noticed the presence of pus. He aspirated it completely, and also debrided any necrotic tissue constantly irrigating the area. What would be the correct code for the drainage of an abscess and debridement?
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Answer: You may use the CPT® code 10060 (Incision and drainage of abscess [eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia]; simple or single). In this procedure, the physician excises all of the inflamed fatty tissues within the cavity and drains the pus completely.
If the procedure was complicated involving multiple incisions, drain placements, extensive packing, and subsequent wound closure, you would report 10061 (Incision and drainage of abscess [eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia]; complicated or multiple).
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