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The procedure described by CPT® Code 38305 pertains to the drainage of a lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis that is extensive in nature. This involves a thorough examination of the lymph node, where the physician palpates the area to identify the greatest point of fluctuance, indicating the presence of an abscess. To facilitate the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort. Following this, an incision is made in the skin over the lymph node, and deeper tissues may be dissected as necessary to adequately expose the site of the abscess. The lymph node itself is then incised to allow for drainage of the accumulated pus or fluid. During this process, cultures may be collected and sent to a laboratory for further analysis to identify any organisms present, which can be crucial for determining appropriate treatment. After the drainage is completed, the incision may be managed in several ways: it can be packed open to promote drainage, a drain may be placed to facilitate ongoing fluid removal, or the incision may be closed depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure. It is important to note that CPT® Code 38305 is specifically used for extensive procedures that involve deep tissue dissection, packing or drain placement, and/or secondary closure, distinguishing it from simpler procedures that involve superficial lymph nodes and primary closure, which are coded under CPT® Code 38300.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 38305 is indicated for the management of conditions involving lymph node abscesses or lymphadenitis that are extensive in nature. This may include situations where there is significant swelling, pain, or signs of infection in the lymph nodes, necessitating surgical intervention to drain the accumulated fluid or pus. The procedure is typically performed when conservative treatments have failed or when there is a need for immediate relief of symptoms associated with the abscess.
The procedure begins with the physician palpating the enlarged lymph node to determine the area of greatest fluctuance, which indicates the presence of an abscess. Once identified, a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure. Following anesthesia, the skin over the lymph node is incised, allowing access to the underlying tissues. Deeper tissue dissection may be performed as needed to fully expose the abscess site. Once the abscess is accessible, the lymph node is incised to facilitate drainage of the pus or fluid. During this step, cultures may be obtained to identify any infectious organisms present, which can be critical for guiding further treatment. After the drainage is completed, the management of the incision site is determined based on the extent of the procedure. The incision may be packed open to allow for continued drainage, a drain may be placed to facilitate fluid removal, or the incision may be closed if appropriate. This comprehensive approach ensures that the abscess is adequately addressed and that the patient receives appropriate post-procedure care.
Post-procedure care following the drainage of a lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis involves monitoring the incision site for signs of infection, ensuring proper drainage, and managing any discomfort the patient may experience. Patients may be advised on how to care for the incision, including keeping it clean and dry, and may receive instructions on when to return for follow-up visits. Depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's overall condition, additional treatments or medications, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed to address any underlying infections. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess the patient's recovery and ensure that any complications are promptly addressed.
| Short Descr | DRAINAGE LYMPH NODE LESION | Medium Descr | DRG LYMPH NODE ABSC/LYMPHADENITIS EXTNSV | Long Descr | Drainage of lymph node abscess or lymphadenitis; extensive | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 67 - Other therapeutic procedures, hemic and lymphatic system |
| 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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