CPT
10060 — Incision and drainage of abscess, simple
If just one abscess and simple drainage, 10060 is the correct code.
Dermatology
17003 — Destruction of premalignant lesions, second through 14th lesion each
This add-on code is billed for each additional premalignant lesion destroyed at the same visit after the first lesion (which is billed as 17000).
- Typical setting: Dermatology clinic, hospital
- National avg charge (illustrative): $15-$30 Medicare allowed per unit (approx. $18-$25 national Medicare average; commercial payers $20-$40 per unit)
- Most-disputed reason: Billing 17003 without 17000: 17003 is an add-on code and requires a concurrent 17000 on the same claim
What it means
What 17003 actually means
This add-on code is billed for each additional premalignant lesion destroyed at the same visit after the first lesion (which is billed as 17000). For example, if a doctor destroys 5 actinic keratoses, the bill should show one 17000 and four units of 17003. It cannot be billed alone without a corresponding 17000.
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).
- Billing 17003 without 17000: 17003 is an add-on code and requires a concurrent 17000 on the same claim
- Overbilling units: billing more units of 17003 than there are additional lesions documented in the operative note
- Using 17003 for the 15th or more lesion: for 15 or more lesions destroyed at the same session, a different code (17004) is required — 17003 only covers up to the 14th lesion
If you see 17003 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 17003 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 17003 on a bill.
17003 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 17003 usually cost?
$15-$30 Medicare allowed per unit (approx. $18-$25 national Medicare average; commercial payers $20-$40 per unit). Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 17003?
Billing 17003 without 17000: 17003 is an add-on code and requires a concurrent 17000 on the same claim
What should I do if I see 17003 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 17003 before paying.
Don't pay 17003 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.