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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.
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