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The procedure described by CPT® Code 44900 refers to the surgical intervention known as incision and drainage of an appendiceal abscess, which is an open surgical procedure. The appendix is a small, tubular structure that extends from the cecum, and it can become inflamed and infected, leading to a condition known as acute appendicitis. When the appendix ruptures due to this inflammation, it can result in the formation of an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus that can cause significant pain and discomfort. The procedure involves making an incision in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, where the appendix is located. During the surgery, the external and oblique muscles are carefully split, and the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, is divided to access the abscess. The surgeon then dissects down to the abscess site, incises the abscess pocket, and drains the purulent material. To ensure thorough drainage, blunt finger dissection is employed to break up any loculations within the abscess. Following the drainage, the abscess pocket is irrigated with saline or an antibiotic solution to help clear any remaining infection. A drain is then placed to facilitate ongoing drainage, and the surgical wound is closed around the drain to promote healing while allowing for continued monitoring of the site.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 44900 is indicated for patients presenting with an appendiceal abscess, which typically occurs as a complication of acute appendicitis. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for incision and drainage of an appendiceal abscess involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment. Each step is outlined as follows:
After the incision and drainage procedure, patients are typically monitored for signs of infection and complications. Post-procedure care may include the following considerations:
| Short Descr | DRAIN APPENDIX ABSCESS OPEN | Medium Descr | INCISION AND DRAINAGE APPENDICEAL ABSCESS OPEN | Long Descr | Incision and drainage of appendiceal abscess, open | 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) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 96 - Other OR lower GI therapeutic procedures |
| 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
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| 2014-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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