CPT® code 10060 is used to report the incision and drainage (I&D) of an abscess, such as a carbuncle, furuncle, or paronychia, when the procedure is simple or involves a single abscess. This is a common minor surgical procedure performed in-office or in urgent care to relieve infection and prevent complications.
When to Use CPT® Code 10060
- When performing incision and drainage of a single abscess.
- When the procedure is considered simple (not requiring extensive dissection or multiple incisions).
- For conditions such as boils, infected cysts, paronychia (infected nail beds), or localized skin abscesses.
- When the provider documents the abscess location, size, and medical necessity.
Billing Requirements
- Bill per abscess drained; multiple abscesses may require modifier use or reporting 10061 (complex I&D).
- Documentation must include the diagnosis, site of abscess, procedure details, and patient tolerance.
- Local anesthesia and dressing are included in this code.
- May require supporting diagnosis codes (e.g., cellulitis, abscess).
Common Clinical Scenarios
- A primary care provider performs an in-office drainage of a small skin abscess.
- An urgent care physician drains a paronychia on a patient’s finger.
- A patient presents with a furuncle on the leg, which is drained through a single incision.
Streamline Minor Procedure Documentation with OptiMantra
Procedures like CPT® 10060 require precise documentation of the abscess treated, the type of incision and drainage performed, and any follow-up care. OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and billing tools help providers capture these details quickly, apply the correct CPT® code, and ensure clean claims for reimbursement. For practices offering minor surgical procedures, OptiMantra reduces administrative burdens so providers can stay focused on delivering excellent patient care.
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