CPT 27603 vs 10140 - Drainage of a hematoma

[daniel]

Say the physician performs Incision and Drainage of a hematoma of the leg.

Which cpt code fits better for this scenario. CPT 10140 or 27603.
And what is the difference between these two cpt codes.


Respectfully
Daniel
cpc

 

[gscatena]

HI, here is what I found to be the difference between your two codes

10140 - incision in the skin to decompress and drain a hematoma, etc. A hemostat bluntly penetrates the fluid pockets, allowing the fluid to evacuate, a drain may be placed, the incision may or may not be closed.

27603- Incision in the leg over the site of the hematoma, etc. Dissection is carried down throught the deep subq. and may be continued into the fascia or muscle to expose the hematoma, finally when the hematoma is identified it is incised and drained, irrigated and repaired in layers, or left open to continue to draining.

descriptions are taken from the 2008 coders' desk reference - Procedures

It will depend on how Deep the Incision is, skin level or further down.

Hope this helps,
Gina