Which CPT code shows incision and drainage of a subcutaneous abscess?

Which CPT code shows incision and drainage of a subcutaneous abscess?

• A. 10061
• B. 10060
• C. 10180
• D. 10140

Answer: (B)

The main idea is matching the procedure to its CPT category: incision and drainage of an abscess that is simple and uncomplicated. For a subcutaneous abscess that is straightforward to drain, the appropriate code is the simple, uncomplicated incision and drainage code. This captures the basic act of making an incision over the abscess and draining it without additional debridement or deeper involvement. The other codes would be used for more complex situations or different procedures. A code for a complicated or deep infection would apply if there were extensive surrounding tissue involvement or multiple sites requiring more extensive work. The remaining codes are designated for procedures in other areas (not a simple subcutaneous abscess drainage) and do not describe a basic skin abscess drainage. So, the best choice is the uncomplicated incision and drainage code for a skin or subcutaneous abscess.

The main idea is matching the procedure to its CPT category: incision and drainage of an abscess that is simple and uncomplicated.

For a subcutaneous abscess that is straightforward to drain, the appropriate code is the simple, uncomplicated incision and drainage code. This captures the basic act of making an incision over the abscess and draining it without additional debridement or deeper involvement.

The other codes would be used for more complex situations or different procedures. A code for a complicated or deep infection would apply if there were extensive surrounding tissue involvement or multiple sites requiring more extensive work. The remaining codes are designated for procedures in other areas (not a simple subcutaneous abscess drainage) and do not describe a basic skin abscess drainage.

So, the best choice is the uncomplicated incision and drainage code for a skin or subcutaneous abscess.