CPT Knowledgebase - Dec 8, 2025

Dr. Carter evaluates a patient with a swollen, painful mass near the left cheek. Imaging and clinical examination confirm a complicated abscess involving the parotid gland, with evidence of deep tissue involvement and multiple loculations. The abscess does not respond to simple needle aspiration, and the patient requires surgical drainage under general anesthesia. In the operating room, Dr. Carter makes an incision, carefully navigates around the facial nerve, and thoroughly drains the loculated abscess cavity, placing a surgical drain due to extensive involvement. Would it be appropriate for Dr. Carter to report a separate code for placement of a surgical drain during the procedure?

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