01/05/2018

Correct Billing for Drained Blister with Lidocaine Injection-Sample Also Sent to Lab for Analysis

I have a patient with a blister left foot.I drained it after injection of lidocaine 2% plain and due to the nature of the blister,I sent a sample to the lab for analysis.Can I bill I and D simple abscess?Biopsy?Or both?

Based on the nature of the procedure, it is  recommended to bill the simple I&D of the blister (CPT 10060). The biopsy of the fluid/blistered skin sent to the lab for analysis would be inclusive of the I&D, which would be the more complex procedure of the two. It would not be appropriate to bill both procedures since they are addressing the same issue, a blister of the foot.