2015 Arthrocentesis Injection coding updates
Starting January 1, 2015 all providers will need to properly report Arthrocentesis procedures dependent if the procedure was performed with or without ultrasound guidance.
Without Ultrasound Guidance:
Starting January 1, 2015, CPT codes 20600, 20605, or 20610 have been revised to describe Arthrocentesis procedures performed without ultrasound guidance.
v20600: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection, small joint or bursa (eg, fingers; toes); without ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.
v20605: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection, intermediate joint or bursa (eg, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, writs, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa;); without ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.
v20610: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection, major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); without ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.
With Ultrasound Guidance:
Starting January 1, 2015, CPT 20604, 20606, or 20611 have been created to report Arthrocentesis procedures perform with ultrasound guidance.
v20604: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection, small joint or bursa (eg, fingers; toes); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.
v20606: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection, intermediate joint or bursa (eg, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, writs, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa;); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.
v20611: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and /or injection, major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting
Steps for proper coding:
vDetermine the size of the joint.
vReview the description to determine if imaging is used.
vReport 20604, 20606, or 20611 if performed with ultrasound guidance
vIf fluoroscopic, CT, or MRI guidance is used report 20600, 20605, 20610 for the surgical procedure and see 77002, 77012, and 77021 to report imagining guidance separately.
As always, my staff will be available to assist you with any questions are concerns you may have.