Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Shun 53040 for Superficial Lesion

Published on Wed May 25, 2005

Question: The urologist incised and drained a peri-urethral cyst. He said it would be like CPT 53040 , but the abscess was not deep. I suggested 10060, but he said that was not it. Should I report 53040 with modifier -52 appended for reduced services?


Ohio Subscriber
Answer: If your doctor does not believe that 53040 (Drainage of deep periurethral abscess) is the correct procedure code because the lesion was superficial, then 10060 (Incision and drainage of abscess [e.g., carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle or paronychia]; simple or single) would be the proper code for the procedure performed.
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

Urology Coding Alert

View All