CPT
10060 — Incision and drainage of abscess, simple
If just one abscess and simple drainage, 10060 is the correct code.
Surgery & procedures
12001 — Simple wound repair, ≤2.5 cm (scalp/neck/extremities)
Simple closure of a small laceration. Frequently part of an ER visit.
- Typical setting: Doctor's office, urgent care, or ER
- National avg charge (illustrative): Insurance allowed $80-$200; ER facility add-on can multiply this.
- Most-disputed reason: Billed as intermediate (12031) repair when simple was performed.
What it means
What 12001 actually means
CPT 12001 is simple repair (single-layer closure) of a laceration of the scalp, neck, axilla, or extremities measuring 2.5 cm or less.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billed as 12031 (intermediate) when a single-layer closure was performed.
- Multiple wounds totaled into a single longer length to bump to a higher tier.
- ER facility fee stacking.
If you see 12001 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 12001 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
11042 — Debridement, subcutaneous tissue; first 20 sq cm or less
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11102 — Skin biopsy, tangential (single lesion)
First biopsy at full price; additional biopsies use add-on codes (11103).
CPT
11104 — Punch biopsy of skin; single lesion
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11106 — Incisional biopsy of skin; single lesion
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11400 — Excision benign lesion, except skin tag, trunk/arms/legs; 0.5 cm or less
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 12001 on a bill.
12001 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
Don't pay 12001 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.