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Ask a Rev Cycle Expert: Incision & Drainage (I&D) With No Drainage?

Question:

During an emergency department (ED) encounter, our doctor documents an I&D of an abcess, but was unable to express any material out of the incision. Would we be able to report code 10060?

Answer:

Generally, an unsuccessful or failed procedure may be separately reported. An unsuccessful or failed procedure is one that is attempted, but the expected result is not achieved. Because there is an incision and an attempt to aspirate material as part of the “drainage”, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code 10060 Incision and drainage of abscess (eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia); simple or single may be reported.

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