Wiki Bilateral Leg Abscesses

[tcooper@nmhs.net]

What code would you use for this procedure?
Multiple abscessess bilateral lower extremities. There was three on right calf and three on the left calf. They were along the line of the saphenous vein alot of clots and purelence were expressed from these areas. They were packed with idoform gauze.
I am looking at code 10061 because he does not mention deep abscesses but it seems like alot of work for this one code. What do you think?
Thank you for all your help.
Teresa

 

[solocoder]

Can you ask the doctor for the depth? Maybe 28003 if it's subfascial..

 

[MarcusM]

Maybe use modifier 22 for Increased Procedural Service requiring work substantially greater than typically required:

http://wpsmedicare.com/j5macpartb/resources/modifiers/modifier-22.shtml

 

[cjrottum]

I would agree that he needs to document depth. Just "deep abscess" does not tell you if perhaps he went into the fascia or deeper. In addition, was any debriedment performed?