10/31/2016

Coding for Draining a Mucoid Cyst with Ganglion

Patient dx. is mucoid cyst with ganglion. what would be the correct code to drain it? 10140?

 

There are three CPT codes that would be appropriate for the incision and drainage of a mucoid cyst, please review the exact descriptions below and select which best defines what you did:

• 10060: Incision and drainage of abscess e.g., carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, and other cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle , or paronychia; simple or single.
  • The physician makes a small incision through the skin overlying an abscess for incision and drainage (e.g., carbuncle, cyst, furuncle, paronychia, hidradenitis). The abscess or cyst is opened with a surgical instrument, allowing the contents to drain. The lesion may be curetted and irrigated. The physician leaves the surgical wound open to allow for continued drainage or the physician may place a Penrose latex drain or gauze strip packing to allow continued drainage. Report 10060 for incision and drainage of a simple or single abscess. Report 10061 for complex or multiple cysts. Complex or multiple cysts may require surgical closure at a later date.
• 10061: Incision and drainage of abscess e.g., carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, and other cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia); complicated or multiple.
• 10140: Incision and drainage of hematoma, seroma or fluid collection
  • The physician makes an incision in the skin to decompress and drain a hematoma, seroma, or other collection of fluid. A hemostat bluntly penetrates the fluid pockets, allowing the fluid to evacuate. A latex drain or gauze packing may be placed into the incision site. This will allow the escape of any fluids that may continue to enter the pocket. A pressure dressing may be placed over the region. Any drain or packing is removed within 48 hours. The incision can be closed primarily or may be left to granulate without closure.