Is 18 gauge neendle considerred surgical instrusement?

Hi everone,
i have a question regarding i&d, is 18 gauge needle considerred a surgical instrusement to do an i&d, if it is what CPT® code qualify for that, the procedure is basically use 18 gauge needle to open the abscess. Please give me a more specific answer thank you all.

re: IS 18 GAUGE NEENDLE CONSIDERRED SURGICAL INSTRUSEMENT?

I don't think that qualifies as an I&D if all they did was puncture and aspirate. If he made an incision of any length then it would qualify.

re: IS 18 GAUGE NEENDLE CONSIDERRED SURGICAL INSTRUSEMENT?

Ok thank you, so the only qualification for i&d procedure is that if a provider use a blade or scapel to actual make a cut?? Right.

re: IS 18 GAUGE NEENDLE CONSIDERRED SURGICAL INSTRUSEMENT?

No, I think the difference is that they make an incision rather than a puncture. A needle makes a small hole that could be used to drain an abscess but it is not an incision. I don't know that you can specify the type of tool used- scissors could be used, a scalpel, a cautery tool, etc. It's the incision that counts

re: IS 18 GAUGE NEENDLE CONSIDERRED SURGICAL INSTRUSEMENT?

Thank you for your response.

re: IS 18 GAUGE NEENDLE CONSIDERRED SURGICAL INSTRUSEMENT?

Follow-up Question:
If that was the procedure done by the physician, 18 gauge needle punctured. Can we use the code 20005 or what should be the best code that we can used?

thanks
rhina