CPT Code 10060 – Abscess Incision & Drainage Billing Guide

CPT Code 10060 is used for simple incision and drainage (I&D) of skin abscesses.
It applies to furuncles, carbuncles, or perirectal abscesses.
The global period is 10 days, and documentation must support medical necessity.
Use modifiers 25 or 59 appropriately.
Know the difference between 10060 vs 10061 for accurate coding.

What Is CPT Code 10060?

CPT 10060 denotes – Incision and drainage of abscess; modest or single.

This code is used when a provider performs a slight surgical procedure to drain a localized collection of pus (abscess) under the skin. It includes local anesthesia and basic wound care.

Typical Diagnoses for CPT 10060

L02.611 – Cutaneous abscess of right axilla
L02.213 – Perirectal abscess
L02.91 – Abscess, unspecified site

Who Can Bill CPT Code 10060?

Licensed healthcare providers qualified to perform minor surgical procedures, including:

Primary care physicians
Urgent care and emergency medicine doctors
General surgeons
Dermatologists
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) under supervision

Services Covered Under CPT Code 10060

Included in the code:

Local anesthesia (infiltration)
Incision and drainage
Wound cleaning
Simple dressing and packing

Not covered:

Extensive packing
Drain placement
Complex/multiple abscess drainage (use CPT 10061)

Time Requirements (If Applicable)

There are no specific time requirements for billing CPT Code 10060. However, documentation must clearly describe:

The abscess (location, size, symptoms)
Medical necessity for drainage
Procedure steps
Patient consent

Modifier Use with CPT Code 10060

Modifier Scenario

25 Individually recognizable E/M service on the same day

59 Second, distinct abscess site drained

RT/LT Specify anatomical site if required by payer

XS Medicare distinct procedural service (location-based)

Using these correctly ensures clean claims and faster payment.

Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid

Billing 10060 when 10061 is more appropriate
Forgetting to add modifier 25 for same-day E/M services
Missing documentation of abscess details or drainage performed
Submitting claims without accurate ICD-10 codes

Reimbursement Rates for CPT Code 10060

Medicare National Average (2025)

Setting Reimbursement

Facility ~$70

Non-Facility ~$105

Rates may vary by geographic location and payer policy.

Difference Between CPT Code 10060 and Related Codes

CPTCode Description Use When…

10060 I&D, simple abscess Single, uncomplicated site

10061 I&D, complex or multiple abscesses Larger, deeper, or multiple sites

10160 Puncture aspiration of abscess/fluid Fluid is aspirated via a needle

Understanding these differences reduces coding errors and denial rates.

Billing Details:

CPT Code: 10060
ICD-10 Code: L02.612 – Abscess of left axilla
E/M Code (if applicable): 99213-25

Final Thoughts

CPT Code 10060 is essential in many outpatient and urgent care settings. When used correctly, it supports fast, effective care and prompt reimbursement.

Ensure you:

Document abscess details thoroughly
Use appropriate modifiers
Distinguish between simple and complex I&D (10060 vs 10061)

Correct medical coding not only improves compliance but also protects your revenue cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CPT code 10060 used for?

CPT 10060 is used to report the incision and drainage of a simple or single abscess, such as a skin or subcutaneous abscess.

How is a simple abscess defined in coding?

A simple abscess involves a single site without extensive tissue involvement, typically drained through a small incision.

Can CPT 10060 be billed with an E/M code?

Yes, if a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service is provided, with modifier 25 appended.

Is local anesthesia included in CPT 10060?

Yes, the use of local anesthesia for the abscess drainage is bundled into the CPT 10060 procedure code.

What documentation is required for CPT 10060?

Records should include the abscess location, size, type, complexity, and details of the incision and drainage performed.

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CPT Code 10060 – Abscess Incision & Drainage Billing Guide

What Is CPT Code 10060?