Q & A with Dr. Z: Multiple Abscess Drains
by David Zielske, MD, CIRCC, COC, CCVTC, CCC, CCS, RCC
Question:
If more than one abscess drain is placed within a large, loculated abscess, can you code 49406 and 49406-XS or can you just code for one abscess drainage?
Answer:
We would recommend one. Loculations can be broken up with catheters or wires. Large abscesses sometimes need two catheters to sufficiently drain the infection and sometimes for irrigation. We recommend one code for one abscess regardless of loculations. The use of fibrinolytics can break up loculations (fibrin).
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