CPT
10060 — Incision and drainage of abscess, simple
If just one abscess and simple drainage, 10060 is the correct code.
Dermatology
17000 — Destruction of premalignant lesion; first lesion
This code covers the removal or destruction (by any method — freezing, laser, chemical peel, curettage) of the first premalignant skin lesion, most commonly actinic keratoses.
- Typical setting: Dermatology clinic, hospital
- National avg charge (illustrative): $55-$120 Medicare allowed (approx. $60-$90 national Medicare average per session)
- Most-disputed reason: Billing 17000 multiple times for the same session: only one unit of 17000 is allowed per encounter — additional lesions use add-on code 17003 (up to 14 lesions)
What it means
What 17000 actually means
This code covers the removal or destruction (by any method — freezing, laser, chemical peel, curettage) of the first premalignant skin lesion, most commonly actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage that can develop into skin cancer if untreated. The fee covers only one lesion; additional lesions destroyed at the same visit use add-on code 17003.
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 17000 multiple times for the same session: only one unit of 17000 is allowed per encounter — additional lesions use add-on code 17003 (up to 14 lesions)
- Confusing premalignant with malignant destruction: billing 17000 for a lesion with confirmed malignancy — confirmed malignant destruction uses different codes (17270-17286)
- Overbilling lesion count: billing 17003 for more lesions than documented in the procedure note
If you see 17000 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 17000 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 17000 on a bill.
17000 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 17000 usually cost?
$55-$120 Medicare allowed (approx. $60-$90 national Medicare average per session). 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 17000?
Billing 17000 multiple times for the same session: only one unit of 17000 is allowed per encounter — additional lesions use add-on code 17003 (up to 14 lesions)
What should I do if I see 17000 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 17000 before paying.
Don't pay 17000 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.