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Official Description

Extraoral incision and drainage of abscess, cyst, or hematoma of floor of mouth; sublingual

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 41015 involves the extraoral incision and drainage of an abscess, cyst, or hematoma located in the floor of the mouth, specifically within the sublingual space. The sublingual space is a deep fascial area situated beneath the tongue, while the surrounding spaces, including the submental, submandibular, and masticator spaces, are also relevant to this procedure. These spaces are defined by their anatomical boundaries, with the mandible forming the anterior and lateral limits, and the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia providing the inferior boundary. The submandibular approach is utilized for accessing these spaces, which involves incising through the skin and subcutaneous tissue to reach the submandibular space. Depending on the specific area affected, further dissection may be required to enter the sublingual, submental, or masticator spaces. The procedure entails exposing the abscess, cyst, or hematoma, followed by drainage and the placement of drains if necessary. This intervention is critical for alleviating symptoms associated with these conditions and preventing complications that may arise from untreated infections or fluid collections in these anatomical regions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Abscess - A localized collection of pus that can cause pain, swelling, and infection in the floor of the mouth.
  • Cyst - A fluid-filled sac that may become infected or cause discomfort in the sublingual or surrounding spaces.
  • Hematoma - A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can occur due to trauma or surgical procedures, leading to swelling and potential complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective drainage of the abscess, cyst, or hematoma:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Submandibular Space - The surgeon begins by making an incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue to access the submandibular space. This approach is essential as it provides the necessary pathway to reach the deeper fascial spaces.
  • Step 2: Dividing the Platysma Muscle - Once the submandibular space is accessed, the platysma muscle is divided to facilitate entry into this area. This step is crucial for gaining access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 3: Entering the Affected Space - Depending on the specific space involved, the surgeon will proceed as follows:
    • If the sublingual space is affected, the mylohyoid muscle is divided to enter this space.
    • If the submental space is involved, dissection is carried into the submental space located below the chin.
    • If the masticator space is involved, dissection is carried along the lateral surface of the ramus to access this space.
  • Step 4: Drainage of the Abscess, Cyst, or Hematoma - The abscess, cyst, or hematoma is then exposed, opened, and drained. This step is critical for relieving pressure and preventing further complications.
  • Step 5: Managing Loculations and Blood Clots - Any loculations within the abscess pocket or cyst are broken up to ensure complete drainage. Additionally, any blood clots present in the hematoma are removed to facilitate healing.
  • Step 6: Placement of Drains - Finally, drains are placed as necessary to allow for continued drainage and to prevent fluid accumulation post-procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, ensuring that drains are functioning properly, and managing any pain or discomfort. Patients may be advised on oral hygiene practices to maintain cleanliness in the affected area. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess healing and to remove drains if they are no longer needed. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased swelling, fever, or persistent pain, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr DRAINAGE OF MOUTH LESION
Medium Descr XTRORAL I&D ABSC CST/HMTMA FLOOR MOUTH SUBLNGL
Long Descr Extraoral incision and drainage of abscess, cyst, or hematoma of floor of mouth; sublingual
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) 0 - 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 33 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
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.)
ET Emergency services
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GJ "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service
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)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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