Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Don't let abscess drainage procedures needle you unnecessarily

Published on Sun Oct 14, 2012

Question: What would be the correct CPT® for the following procedure?Procedures-dental abscess right mandible incision and drainage. A 2 mm incision was made in the most fluctuant area of the abscess using a #11 blade. Approximately 3 ml blood and pus expressed. The incision was left open without a drain in place. Strict sterile technique was used throughout procedure. Nevada SubscriberAnswer: You would report 41800 (Drainage of abscess, cyst, hematoma from dentoalveolar structures) in this instance.
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

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All