CPT 10060 is used for superficial or single abscesses. Flat lesions are mostly left open to drain and heal by secondary intent. Complicated abscesses require placement of a drain and tamponade. Use CPT code 10060 for incision and drainage of complicated or multiple abscesses.
CPT 10060 description
There are many percutaneous procedures such as fine needle aspiration, bone marrow biopsy, nephrostogram, breast biopsy, etc.
Incision and drainage are used extensively in a variety of care settings, including outpatient and inpatient and emergency departments. It is the main treatment for skin and soft tissue abscesses, with or without additional antibacterial therapy.
For percutaneous procedures, you must learn about imaging guideline codes 76942, 77001, 77002, etc.; Incisions and drainage procedures are often performed with imaging guidance.
I&D of abscesses or bumps (e.g., collection of boils, painful lump under the skin, cutaneous or subcutaneous pus, cyst, boil, or nail infection); single or single.
Cutaneous abscesses are localized collections of pus in the dermis and subcutaneous space. They appear practically anywhere on the body; However, common places for a bump to develop are the groin, buttocks, armpits, and extremities.
In most cases, the physical examination alone is used to diagnose a skin abscess. The classic signs of a bump (abscess) are erythema, induration, tenderness, and fluctuation. Also, you have to be careful to distinguishcelluliteand abscess, since the treatment of cellulitis is antibiotic therapy without drainage.
Incision and drainage should be done in most patients with an abscess because antibiotic therapy alone is not enough to treat it.

Coding Tips:
Local anesthesia is included in this CPT 10060 service. Use 10061 to puncture an abscess, hematoma, bulla, or cyst. To the I&D of aPilonidalzyste, simple, use 10080; complicated, use 10081. My report contains the corresponding HCPCS Level II code for medical offices. Contact the relevant payer to determine coverage.
Procedure codes 10060 represent the I&D of an abscess or cyst, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, or related structures. Therefore, the medical necessity diagnostic code must represent an abscess or cyst, not the underlying condition causing the bump.
For example, the ICD 10 CM code for sebaceous cysts would not meet the medical need for CPT code 10060. It would be more appropriate to encode the applicable ICD 10 CM code for the abscess (depending on the anatomical location of the lump) if the patient had a sebum blemish,
Documentation tip:
Documentation should include the anatomical location of the abscess and the size, drain placement, or complicating factors.
All documentation is kept in the patient's medical record and made available to the contractor upon request.
Each record page must contain appropriate patient identification information and be legible (eg, name, date of service). In addition, the documentation must contain the legible signature of the doctor or alternative practitioner responsible for the patient's care.
The CPT/HCPCS code must define the service provided.
The medical record submitted must support the selected ICD 10 CM code.
Medical records must show that an abscess was present, including location, size, and appearance of the abscess.
If frequent incisions and drains are required, the medical record must also include the reason for the ongoing/recurrent abscess formation and measures to prevent recurrence.
CPT 10060 Reimbursement
Because 10061 indicates multiple incisions and drainage procedures, we should only report this service with a unit of 1 shown on the CMS 1500 claim form, regardless of how often the service is performed.
Must meet medical necessity for CPT 10060. Medical necessity or ICD 10 codes should always support the CPT codes to be paid by that payer or insurance company.
If you code CPT 10060 with a first or subsequent hospital visit code, you must change the E&M code withModifier 25to indicate that the service is different.
When billing for services requested by the service recipientrefusalnot legally accepted by Medicare (i.e., routine foot care), report and attach an ICD 10 code that best describes the patient's conditionGY-Modifier(Services or items excluded by law or not meeting the definition of a Medicare benefit).
CPT 10060 Billing Policies
According to the new billing guidelines, only one unit of CPT 10060 can be billed per visit.
Cost and relative value units of facility services:
ThatCostand totallymobile homesfrom CPT 10060106,59 $and3,08000
each for National and GlobalfurnishingsServices.
Cost and Relative Value Units of Non-Setup Services:
ThatCostand totallymobile homesfrom CPT 10060127,70 $and3,69000
each for National and Globalnon-establishmentServices.
Facility codes reflect the volume and ferocity of resources used by the facility to provide care.
It is not appropriate to charge Medicare for uncovered services. Always use the appropriate modifier when billing for uncovered services.
CPT 10060 depicts the incision and drainage of the abscess, which includes the subcutaneous tissue, skin, and accessory structures. So the diagnostic code for medical necessity must mean a bump, not the underlying condition causing the abscess.
For example, the ICD 10 CM code for sebaceous cysts would not meet the medical need for procedure codes 10060 or 10061.
However, if the patient had a sebaceous cyst bulge, it would be appropriate to encode the appropriate ICD 10 CM code for the abscess (depending on the anatomical location of the node).
The provider's responsibility is to select codes that are executed with the highest level of specificity and selected from the ICD 10 CM code book appropriate for the year in which performance is provided for the submitted claim(s). becomes.
CPT 10060modifiers
Modifiers provide additional information about the medical procedure, service, or delivery in question without changing the meaning of the code.
Modifiers applicable with CPT10060are given below:
22, 23, 47, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 76,77, 78, 79, 99, AI, AQ, AR, CC,CR, E1, E2, E3, E4, ET, EY, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, FA, GA, GC, GJ, GK, GR, GU, GY,GZ, KX, PT, Q5, Q6, QJ, SG, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, TA, XE, XP, XS, XU.
Modifiers commonly used in medical coding and billing for CPT 10060 are 51, 59, 76, 77, 78, 79, E1, E2, E3, E4, ET, EY, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 , F6, F7, F8, F9, FA, KX, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, TA.
Modifier Tips:
Here are some important modifier tips for CPT 10060.
E and F series modifiers are reported for procedures performed on fingers and toes. Each modifier has a separate description depending on the treatment area. For example:
E1 - Upper left eyelid
E4—Lower right eyelid
F5 - Right hand, thumb
F8 - Right hand, fourth digit
FA - Left hand, thumb
T4 - Left foot, fifth finger
TA – Left foot, big toe
Modifier 51with example
Several procedures:More than one procedure is performed in the session of the same provider.
Not used for E&M services, add-on codes.
Example:
The dermatologist makes an incision and drainage on the big toe, and then performs an excision of a lesion on the chest. So in this case, the big toe incision and drainage and the chest lesion excision are two different but have no conflict, so append modifier 51 with a procedure.
Modifier 59with example
Different procedural services - In certain circumstances it is necessary to indicate that a service or process was separate from other non-evaluation and management services performed on the same day.
Modifier 59 is used to determine benefits other than E&M services that are not reported together but are appropriate in different circumstances.
The documentation must support a different site or organ system, an additional session, a different procedure or operation, a separate lesion, incision or excision, or a separate area of injury not normally encountered on the same day by the same person.
When no descriptive modifier is available, the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances.
Example:
Procedures CPT 10060 and 11721 were conducted on the same day. However, both CPTs have different descriptions and differ from each other. So in this case, append modifier 59 to CPT 11721 for low RVUs.
Modifier 76with example
Repeat procedure Performed by the same doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
It is important to indicate that a service has been repeated by the same physician or other qualified healthcare professional using the original procedure. In this case, append the modifier 76 to identify it as a repeated procedure.
Example:
A doctor performed procedure CPT code 10060 on the big toe, the patient returned after two days to have more abscesses removed and the same procedure was performed again by the doctor. In this case, append the modifier 76 with a CPT 10060.
Modifier 77with example
Procedure being repeated by another doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
An indication must be given that a procedure was repeated by another physician or qualified healthcare professional using the original method or service. Can report this by adding modifier 77 to the repeated treatment procedure.
Example:
Doctor X performed an incision and drainage on the 4th finger of the foot in the afternoon and another doctor repeated the service to remove more pus in the evening. Use Modifier 77 with a CPT.
Modifier 78with example
An unplanned patient returned to the operating room and was treated by the same initial physician, and the same procedure was performed during the postoperative period.
Example:
Patient taken to recovery room after surgery. associations were saturated; Vital signs were unstable. The patient was carried back to the operating room to assess postoperative bleeding.
Modifier 79with example:
An unplanned patient returned to the operating room for treatment of an unrelated condition by the same doctor, and the same procedure was performed during the postoperative period.
The individual must state that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the previous service. Under these circumstances, append the modifier 79 with the previously run service.
Example:
A doctor performed a cataract removal on the right eye on April 27, 2022. On May 23, the same doctor performed an incision and drainage on the left 4th finger of the foot. So in this case append the modifier 79 to the independent procedure that is performed within the global charge period.
FAQs
What modifier should be used with 10060? ›
In order for all three line items to be paid by Medicare, it should be coded in the following way: 10060 with DX L02. 611, no modifiers.
What is the reimbursement for modifier 22? ›When used appropriately, modifier 22 reimburses the physician for unforeseen difficulties or additional time spent that are not usually anticipated for the procedure.
How do I bill a CPT code 10060? ›CPT 10060 should be billed if a single abscess is being drained on the DOS. Since the procedure is being done on two different sites, it should be billed with CPT code 10061. ICD-10 codes L02.
When to use 59 or 51 modifier? ›While modifier 51 and 59 both apply to additional procedures performed on the same date of service as the primary procedure, modifier 51 differs from modifier 59 in that it applies to procedures that may be more commonly expected to be performed during the same session.
Does modifier 25 affect reimbursement? ›The effect of using modifier 25 is to stop the bundling of payment of the E/M visit into payment of the procedure causing the doctor's total payment to be decreased.
Do I use GT or 95 modifier? ›GT is the modifier that is most commonly used for telehealth claims. Per the AMA, the modifier means “via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems.” You can append GT to any CPT code for services that were provided via telemedicine.
How are modifiers reimbursed? ›When a non physician provider reports an eligible procedure with modifier AS, reimbursement will be 16% of the allowed amount for non-physicians. Modifier reimbursement is subject to any reductions set by CMS guidelines and any applicable provider contract language. We will only reimburse for one assistant at surgery.
When should modifier 52 not be used? ›Modifier -52 should not be used when the full service is performed but the total fee for the service is reduced or discounted.
What is modifier 62 reimbursement? ›When a provider reports an eligible procedure with modifier 62 appended, reimbursement will be 125% of the allowed amount, divided equally between the co-surgeons. Each surgeon will be reimbursed 62.5% of the allowed amount. If there is more than one procedure performed, multiple surgery guidelines apply.
What is modifier 25 used to report? ›The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) definition of Modifier 25 is as follows: Modifier 25 – this Modifier is used to report an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service on a day when another service was provided to the patient by the same physician or other qualified health care professional.
How do you bill multiple incision and drainage? ›
For incision and drainage of a complex wound infection, use CPT 10180. You can remove the sutures/ staples from the wound or make an additional incision to work through. The wound is drained and any necrotic tissue is excised.
How do you bill a wound VAC application? ›Codes 97605 and 97606 are used for placement of a non-disposable wound vac device, while codes 97607 and 97608 are used if the wound vac is disposable. The codes are further differentiated by the wound size, either greater than 50 sq cm, or less than or equal to 50 sq cm.
Does modifier 59 affect reimbursement? ›Modifier 59 allows you to unbundle — separately report and get paid for — two or more procedures occurring during the same encounter by the same physician that would not normally be paid independently. Use modifier 59 correctly, and you'll collect every penny of reimbursement for the work you do.
How does modifier 51 affect reimbursement? ›Modifier 51 is used to identify the second and subsequent procedures to third party payers. The use of modifier 51 indicates that the multiple procedure discount should be applied to the reimbursement for the code.
What is 59 modifier used for? ›Modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than E/M services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances.
What is the reimbursement for modifier 52? ›Procedure codes submitted with modifier 52 will be reimbursed at a reduced rate. Our health plan reimburses procedure(s) appended with modifier 52 at 50% of the allowable amount. Procedure codes for any other procedure not performed at all should not be additionally reported.
What is modifier 57 and 25? ›Modifier 25 is used in medical billing for minor procedures, while modifier 57 is used in medical billing for major procedures. The only other small difference is that modifier 57 could mean the surgery will be done the next day. Medically billing modifier 25 means the surgery will be done on the same day only.
What are modifiers 25 and 59? ›When applied to CPT codes, both modifiers indicate that two services—billed on the same date of service but not typically billed together—were separate and distinct from one another.
What is GA and GZ modifier? ›Definitions of the GA, GY, and GZ Modifiers The modifiers are defined below: GA - Waiver of liability statement on file. GY - Item or service statutorily excluded or does not meet the definition of any Medicare benefit. GZ - Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary.
Does modifier 95 reduced reimbursement? ›The use of modifier 95 does not alter reimbursement for the CPT or HCPCS code.
What are GV and GW modifiers? ›
Difference between GV and GW modifier
When the physician provide a service related to the hospice diagnosis for which the patient is enrolled, GV modifier is used. When the physician provides a service unrelated or not related to the hospice diagnosis for which the patient is enrolled , GW modifier is used.
- Always place modifiers as close as possible to the words they modify. ...
- A modifier at the beginning of the sentence must modify the subject of the sentence. ...
- Your modifier must modify a word or phrase that is included in your sentence.
What's the Difference? Habilitative (modifier 96): services that help a person DEVELOP skills or functions they didn't have before. Rehabilitative (modifier 97) services that help a person RESTORE functions which have become either impaired or lost.
Does modifier 24 affect reimbursement? ›Modifier 24 does affect how the claim is processed and reimbursed. A general rule of thumb for CMS global period is a postoperative period of 10 days for minor procedures and 90 days for major procedures.
Does modifier 50 affect reimbursement? ›Modifier 50 affects payment
For Medicare and many commercial payors, proper application of modifier 50 increases reimbursement to 150 percent of the allowable fee schedule payment for the code to which the modifier is appended.
Postoperative management only. Use this modifier to indicate that payment for the postoperative, post-discharge care is split between two or more physicians where the physicians agree on the transfer of postoperative care.
How does modifier 53 affect reimbursement? ›CPT modifier 53 indicates procedure discontinued by physician or other qualified health care professional and may not be reported by facilities. Reimbursement for discontinued procedure with modifier 53 is 25% of the allowable amount.
Which modifier goes first 62 or 59? ›Modifier | Definition |
---|---|
59 | Distinct procedural service |
62 | Two surgeons |
73 | Discontinued outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (ASC) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia |
74 | Discontinued outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (ASC) procedure after administration of anesthesia |
Example 1 (appropriate use of modifier code 62)
One surgeon performs the endoscopy. The other surgeon makes an incision into the abdomen and inserts the gastrostomy tube. The surgery is appropriate for co-surgery. Both surgeons should bill using the same CPT procedure code (43246) and modifier code 62.
Modifier 63 - Procedure Performed on Infants less than 4kg
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) modifier 63 represents procedures performed on neonates and infants up to a present body weight of 4 kilograms.
Should I use modifier 59 or XS? ›
The use of modifier 59 or -XS is appropriate for different anatomic sites during the same encounter only when procedures (which aren't ordinarily performed or encountered on the same day) are performed on different organs, or different anatomic regions, or in limited situations on different, non-contiguous lesions in ...
What is the 57 modifier for? ›CPT modifier 57 may be used to report the decision for surgery for certain codes. This modifier may be used to indicate that an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed on the same day or the day before a major surgery (090 global days) by the surgeon resulted in the decision to perform the procedure.
When should a 59 modifier be used? ›For example, Modifier 59 should be used when coding for a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion (noncontiguous lesions in different anatomic regions of the same organ), or separate injury.
What is the U1 modifier used for? ›All SMV (specialized medical vehicle) procedure codes require the use of a trip number modifier. Trip number modifiers U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6 are used to identify procedure codes related to the same trip for the same member by the same provider on the same DOS (date of service) .
What are examples of modifier Xe? ›Modifier -XE is used to indicate a separate surgical operative session on the same date of service or a distinct encounter after the patient has left the hospital or changed status or locations within the facility. Example: 8 a.m. outpatient surgery and 8 p.m. outpatient surgery.
How do you know which modifier to use? ›The correct modifier to use is determined by payor preference. There can be instances where a CPT code is further defined by a HCPCS modifier, for example, to describe the side of the body the procedure is performed on such as left (modifier -LT) or right (modifier -RT).
What is a 77 modifier? ›CPT modifier 77 is used to report a repeat procedure by another physician. Guidelines and Instructions. Submit this modifier to indicate that a basic procedure or service performed by another physician had to be repeated.
What is the t5 modifier? ›Right foot, great toe. Guidelines and Instructions. Submit this modifier to identify the service as being performed on the first toe (great toe) of the right foot. This modifier is appropriate for surgical and diagnostic services.
What is a 52 modifier used for? ›This modifier is used to report a service or procedure that is partially reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion.
What is modifier 58 used for? ›Submit CPT modifier 58 to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was either: Planned prospectively at the time of the original procedure (staged); More extensive than the original procedure; or. For the therapy following a surgical procedure.
What is 25 modifier used for? ›
Modifier 25 is defined as a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management (E/M) service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service.
When to use 52 or 53 modifier? ›Depending on the circumstances as to why the procedure was stopped, modifier 52 is reportable if no anesthesia was administered and the physician elected to terminate the procedure. However, modifier 53 would be applicable if anesthesia was administered and the procedure was terminated due to extenuating circumstances.
What is modifier U5? ›U5 – Services delivered by a licensed therapist or physician.
What is U4 modifier used for? ›U4 Medicaid Level of Care: Completed behavioral health screening using a standardized behavioral health screening tool and a behavioral health need was identified when administered by a nurse midwife employed by a physician.
What is modifier E1 and E3? ›Definition: E1: A service was performed on the upper left eyelid. E2: A service was performed on the lower left eyelid. E3: A service was performed on the upper right eyelid.