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The procedure described by CPT® Code 42320 refers to the drainage of an abscess located in the submaxillary gland, which is also known as the submandibular gland. This gland is one of the major salivary glands situated beneath the lower jaw, specifically in the triangle of the neck. It plays a crucial role in saliva production and secretion. An abscess in this gland, often resulting from infection or blockage, can lead to significant discomfort and complications if not addressed. The term 'sialadenitis' is commonly used to describe inflammation of the salivary glands, which can manifest as an abscess. The drainage procedure involves making an incision externally, below the jawline, to access the affected gland. This approach allows for effective drainage of the abscess, alleviating pressure and pain associated with the condition. The procedure is performed with careful dissection of the surrounding soft tissues and muscles, ensuring the protection of critical structures such as the mandibular branch of the facial nerve. Following the drainage, drains may be placed to facilitate continued drainage and prevent fluid accumulation, with the incisions being closed around these drains to promote healing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The drainage of a submaxillary gland abscess, as indicated by CPT® Code 42320, is performed under specific circumstances. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for the drainage of a submaxillary gland abscess involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment and patient safety. The following procedural steps are outlined:
Post-procedure care following the drainage of a submaxillary gland abscess is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Instructions may include keeping the incision site clean and dry, managing pain with prescribed medications, and following up with the healthcare provider to assess healing and drain removal. Patients may also be advised to maintain hydration and follow a soft diet to minimize discomfort while eating. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased swelling, fever, or drainage from the incision site, to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | DRAINAGE OF SALIVARY GLAND | Medium Descr | DRAINAGE ABSCESS SUBMAXILLARY INTRAORAL | Long Descr | Drainage of abscess; submaxillary, external | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 010 - Minor Procedure | 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) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | 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.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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