How To Use CPT Code 38300

CPT 38300 describes the procedure for drainage of a lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 38300?

CPT 38300 is used to describe the drainage of a lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis. This procedure involves making an incision over an enlarged or inflamed lymph node and draining the abscess or infection inside it. The provider may use manual pressure to assist in draining the abscess. After complete drainage, the wound is flushed and closed with sutures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38300 is: ‘Drainage of lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis; simple.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the affected lymph node.
3. The provider drains the abscess or infection inside the lymph node.
4. Manual pressure may be applied to aid in the drainage.
5. The wound is flushed to ensure complete drainage.
6. The operative site is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 38300 is performed when there is an enlarged or inflamed lymph node with an abscess or infection that requires drainage. It is important to note that CPT 38300 is specifically for simple drainage procedures. For larger, deeper, or extensively infected lymph node abscesses, a different code, such as 38305, should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 38300

CPT code 38300 should be used when a provider performs a simple drainage procedure on a lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a simple drainage and does not require a more extensive approach.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 38300, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for drainage of the lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, drainage technique, and closure method
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 38300, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a simple drainage. If the abscess is larger, deeper, or extensively infected, a different code should be used. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to accurately document the procedure to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 38300 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a simple drainage procedure on an enlarged lymph node abscess in a patient’s neck.
2. An incision is made over an inflamed lymph node, and the provider drains the infection inside it.
3. A patient presents with lymphadenitis, and the provider performs a simple drainage procedure to alleviate the inflammation.
4. A provider uses manual pressure to assist in draining an abscess within a lymph node in a patient’s groin.
5. An incision is made over an enlarged lymph node, and the provider flushes the wound to ensure complete drainage.
6. A patient with an infected lymph node undergoes a simple drainage procedure, and the operative site is closed with sutures.
7. A provider performs a simple drainage procedure on an inflamed lymph node in a patient’s armpit.
8. An incision is made over an abscess within a lymph node, and the provider drains the infection.
9. A patient with lymphadenitis undergoes a simple drainage procedure to relieve the inflammation and infection.
10. A provider uses manual pressure to aid in draining an abscess within a lymph node in a patient’s neck.