2025 CPT code 21510
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Incision, deep, with opening of bone cortex (eg, for osteomyelitis or bone abscess), thorax
Modifiers may be applicable; refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate usage.
Medical necessity is established by documentation supporting the diagnosis of osteomyelitis or bone abscess in the thorax that requires surgical incision and drainage.
The physician prepares the patient, administers anesthesia, makes an incision over the affected area on the thorax, incises the bone, divides the periosteum, opens the medullary cavity, drains the abscess, irrigates the area, and closes the incision.
In simple words: The doctor makes a deep cut in the outer layer of a chest bone to drain pus or relieve pressure from an infection or abscess.
Deep incision into the cortex of a bone in the thorax to relieve pain, pressure, or infection caused by osteomyelitis or bone abscess.The procedure involves incising the bone, dividing the periosteum, and opening the medullary cavity to drain purulent material. The area is then irrigated, and the incision is closed.
Example 1: A patient presents with osteomyelitis of the rib, requiring surgical drainage., A patient with a bone abscess in the sternum requires incision and drainage., A patient experiences persistent pain and pressure in the chest wall due to a deep bone infection, necessitating a deep incision into the bone cortex for drainage.
Documentation should include the diagnosis (osteomyelitis or bone abscess), location of the incision (thorax), operative details including the depth of incision, drainage obtained, irrigation performed, and closure method. Evidence of medical necessity should also be documented.
- Revenue Code: P5B
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center