February 2008 page 8a
Surgery: Integumentary System, 10040 (Q&A)
Question: What is the difference between an incision and
drainage procedure and an aspiration procedure?
Answer: From a CPT coding perspective, an incision must
be performed in order for an incision and drainage procedure
to be reported; an aspiration procedure does not
involve an incision. For example, an abscess formation
may be drained by making an incision through the skin or
mucosa in close proximity and into the abscess formation.
The contents of the abscess are then removed (ie,
drained) through the incision. For an aspiration procedure,
the contents...
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