CPT 49040
Drain open abdom abscess
CPT 49040 at a glance
- Code
- 49040
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE)
- Short descriptor
- Drain open abdom abscess
- Category
- Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE)
- ASC payment status
- Excluded from ASC payment
- CMS addendum
- EE (Excluded)
- Typical setting
- Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
What is CPT code 49040?
CPT 49040 is a CPT/HCPCS (Add. EE) procedure code. Its official CMS short descriptor is "Drain open abdom abscess". In the ASC context it is grouped under Excluded from ASC Pay (Add. EE).
Is CPT 49040 payable in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 49040 is on CMS Addendum EE, the list of procedures excluded from ASC payment. Medicare does not pay for it in the ASC setting; it is typically performed in a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) or office instead.
Where is CPT 49040 typically performed?
Hospital outpatient department (POS 22) or office (POS 11). Not separately payable in an ASC.
Which specialties use CPT 49040?
CPT 49040 is most associated with General Surgery.
Reference information compiled from the CMS April 2026 ASC payment addenda (AA, BB, EE). Codes, descriptors, and ASC payment status change with each CMS update. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against the current CMS addenda and individual payer policy before billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.