CPT
10060 — Incision and drainage of abscess, simple
If just one abscess and simple drainage, 10060 is the correct code.
Dermatology
11106 — Incisional biopsy of skin; single lesion
This code covers a skin biopsy in which a scalpel is used to cut into a lesion and remove a wedge or slice of tissue for pathologic analysis.
- Typical setting: Dermatology clinic, hospital
- National avg charge (illustrative): $100-$220 Medicare allowed (approx. $110-$175 national Medicare average; commercial payers $150-$300)
- Most-disputed reason: Confusion with excisional biopsy: billing 11106 when the entire lesion was removed — an excisional biopsy of the entire lesion should use codes 11400-11406 (benign) or 11600-11606 (malignant)
What it means
What 11106 actually means
This code covers a skin biopsy in which a scalpel is used to cut into a lesion and remove a wedge or slice of tissue for pathologic analysis. Unlike a punch biopsy (11104), an incisional biopsy cuts into but does not completely remove the lesion. It is used when a larger sample or full-thickness specimen is needed for an accurate diagnosis.
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).
- Confusion with excisional biopsy: billing 11106 when the entire lesion was removed — an excisional biopsy of the entire lesion should use codes 11400-11406 (benign) or 11600-11606 (malignant)
- Multiple lesion billing error: billing multiple units of 11106 without using the correct add-on code 11107 for each additional lesion
- Upcoding from punch biopsy: billing 11106 when chart documents a punch technique — the technique used must match the code
If you see 11106 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 11106 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
11400 — Excision benign lesion, except skin tag, trunk/arms/legs; 0.5 cm or less
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11600 — Excision malignant lesion, trunk/arms/legs; 0.5 cm or less excised diameter
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 11106 on a bill.
11106 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 11106 usually cost?
$100-$220 Medicare allowed (approx. $110-$175 national Medicare average; commercial payers $150-$300). 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 11106?
Confusion with excisional biopsy: billing 11106 when the entire lesion was removed — an excisional biopsy of the entire lesion should use codes 11400-11406 (benign) or 11600-11606 (malignant)
What should I do if I see 11106 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 11106 before paying.
Don't pay 11106 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.