CPT 10060: Incision and Drainage of Abscess, Simple
CPT 10060 reports incision and drainage of a simple or single cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, such as a boil or paronychia drained through one incision. In 2026 Medicare pays about $128.59 non-facility and $100.54 facility. It carries a 010-day global period, so routine wound checks are bundled.
- Code type
- Surgical - I&D of simple/single abscess
- 2026 non-facility
- $128.59
- 2026 facility
- $100.54
- Global period
- 010 days
What is CPT 10060 used for?
CPT 10060 reports incision and drainage of a simple or single cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess. Typical cases include a furuncle, carbuncle, cyst that has become infected, paronychia, or a simple hidradenitis lesion drained through a single incision without extensive dissection or drain placement.
The key documentation element is pus. If the lesion is a cyst without infection, or the note describes complex work, 10060 is the wrong code. A single, straightforward incision that releases purulent material and is left to heal supports 10060.
How much does 10060 pay in 2026?
Under the 2026 Medicare fee schedule, 10060 allows about $128.59 non-facility and $100.54 facility.
| Setting | 2026 Medicare allowed |
|---|---|
| Non-facility (office) | ~$128.59 |
| Facility (hospital outpatient) | ~$100.54 |
Example: a patient presents with a painful gluteal boil. The physician drains a single abscess through one incision. You bill 10060 at about $128.59 in the office. Run your locality figure through the Medicare fee calculator.
How does the 10-day global period affect 10060?
10060 carries a 010-day global period. That means the procedure day plus the following ten days of routine post-op care are bundled: wound checks, dressing changes, and packing removal at the same site are not separately payable during that window.
When do you use 10061 instead?
Step up to 10061 when the work is genuinely complicated: multiple abscesses, extensive probing to break up loculations, placement of a drain or wick, or significant packing. The distinction is clinical, and it must be visible in the operative note. Coding 10061 on thin documentation is a common audit target under the NCCI edits, so let the note drive the choice.
- 10060 - simple or single abscess, one incision.
- 11042 - surgical debridement of subcutaneous tissue, a different service.
Confirm each drainage claim meets medical necessity with a documented diagnosis of abscess or cyst with infection.
Frequently asked questions
In 2026 the national non-facility allowed amount is about $128.59, and the facility rate is about $100.54. The higher office rate reflects the practice supplying the tray, anesthetic, and staff. Medicare pays 80 percent and the patient or secondary plan owes the 20 percent coinsurance after the deductible.
Only when a significant, separately identifiable E/M service is documented beyond the inherent pre-procedure assessment. Append modifier 25 to the E/M code. Simply examining the abscess and deciding to drain it is bundled into 10060 and does not by itself justify a separate visit charge.
10060 is a simple or single abscess drained through one incision. 10061 is complicated or multiple, meaning more than one abscess, or a single abscess needing extensive probing, loculation breakdown, drain placement, or heavy packing. Code to what the note documents, not to habit.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
Stop losing revenue to problems like this.
A free billing audit shows exactly where your practice is leaking money — no cost, no commitment.
