D7520
INCISION AND DRAINAGE OF ABSCESS - EXTRAORAL SOFT TISSUE
Involves incision through skin.
Report D7520 for the incision and draining of an abscess through an external access opening. That is, the access to the abscess is made extraorally (not in the mouth but somewhere on the face) and through soft tissue. For incision and drainage - intraoral soft tissue, report D7510.
D7520 is used to describe a procedure performed in an acute situation of facial swelling. The spread of infection into adjacent fascial spaces requires drainage and is most appropriately accessed from an area outside the oral cavity. It requires additional expertise and time. D7520 is more likely a covered benefit under a medical plan.
Typically not a covered dental benefit; possibly considered for reimbursment through medical insurance.
A brief narrative is required and should be very specific as to the appearance of the area treated, procedures used to accomplish the drainage, and the fascial spaces involved. Pre-treatment photographs and possibly radiographic images can be helpful in documenting the need for this procedure.