Amazing coding tips for CPT code for Arthrocentesis

Introduction of CPT codes for arthrocentesis

There are changes in CPT codes for arthrocentesis which we are using in interventional radiology coding. In interventional radiology, we will be having combined new codes in place of deleted old codes. CPT codes for arthrocentesis have separate procedure code for small, intermediate and large joint. The codes will include the ultrasound guidance, hence no need of coding guidance separately. Also, the CPT codes will be used for coding for aspiration and/or injection procedures done on joints.

Coding of guidance with CPT codes for arthrocentesis

As we know the CPT codes for arthrocentesis are combined codes and include ultrasound guidance, but there are no codes given for guidance other ultrasound like fluoroscopic guidance. The CPT codes are used only when done with ultrasound guidance, for arthrocentesis procedures with fluoroscopic guidance still are in question. Hope with the use of CPT codes we will overcome this confusion. Let’s check out these arthrocentesis CPT codes.

20604 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, small joint or bursa (e.g., fingers, toes); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting

               

20606 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, intermediate joint or bursa (e.g., temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, wrist, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting

20611 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting

Do and Don’t for new cpt codes for arthrocentesis

Do not code ultrasound guidance code 76942 along with these CPT codes (20604-20611)

Use code 10160- Puncture aspiration of abscess, hematoma, bulla or cyst if there is no specific code given for aspiration.

Use new codes for 59 modifiers when there is two or more than two arthrocentesis procedures are done on same type (small, intermediate or large) of joints.

18 Thoughts to “Amazing coding tips for CPT code for Arthrocentesis”

  1. […] Read also: Best coding tips for Arthrocentesis procedures […]

  2. […] coding arthrocentesis procedures, we have separate CPT codes. Use Procedure code 20610 and 20611 for coding knee […]

  3. […] Read also: Best coding tips for coding Arthrocentesis procedures […]

  4. […] are may similar injection procedures like arthrocentesis, arthrogram, ,myelogram etc which required guidance codes. We do not have any changes for these […]

  5. […] CPT codes and the regular non-vascular Interventional procedure like nephrostogram, Cholangiogram, arthrocentesis etc. Since, these are used only for the vascular procedures it is very important to know the […]

  6. […]                     Coding guide for Arthrocentesis Procedure Codes […]

  7. […] (RS&I) services, such as those provided in support of gastrointestinal examinations, arthrography, myelography, cholecystography, venography, arteriography, and cystography. Hence, it is not […]

  8. […] Guidance codes are important in Interventional radiology coding. Percutaneous surgery procedure is mostly depending upon guidance like ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. The imaging guidance CPT codes are different for vascular and non-vascular percutaneous procedures like CPT code 77003 is used for non-vascular exam like spinal procedure and 77001 for vascular procedure like central line placement. For ultrasound guidance also we have separate codes for vascular and non-vascular percutaneous procedure. Cpt Code 76937 is used for vascular procedure and 76942 cpt code is used for non-vascular procedure like biopsy. This differences between vascular and non-vascular procedures really helps in improving our skills in coding ICD and CPT codes. Let’s learn which are the CPT codes are used with CPT code 77003. This guidance is used with very less procedure codes but very important one. Cpt Code 77003 is used mainly in spinal injection procedures. […]

  9. […] we have learnt in coding for ultrasound guided thyroid biopsy, placement of urethral catheter and joint arthrocentesis coding which require either guidance or Supervision and interpretation code. But, CPT code 36147 includes […]

  10. […] are little difficult to code.  We have seen some of the procedures like Fine needle aspiration, arthrocentesis, Breast biopsy, myelogram etc.  always have a primary procedure code followed by a imaging […]

  11. […] not report 0232T in conjunction  with 20550, 20551, 20600, 20604, […]

  12. […] which are now bundled with imaging guidance codes. Also, their are other puncture procedures like arthrocentesis, paracentesis, thoracentesis , Fine needle aspiration etc, which involves removal of abnormal […]

  13. […] not report 20600, 20604 in conjunction with 76942, 0489T, 0490T. Arthrocentesis CPT codes have separate code for with and without ultrasound guidance, hence CPT code 20600 will be […]

  14. […] surgeries are same day surgeries like arthrogram, arthrocentesis, And Lumbar puncture etc. These procedures are majorly diagnostic procedures. These diagnostic […]

  15. […] myelogram, I learnt during this period. I got a lot of confusion while coding for arthrogram and arthrocentesis/joint aspiration. But, by solving few sample reports I came to know the difference between them. You can use […]

  16. […] easily, go ahead and code it. Since, we have already coded complex procedures like breast biopsy, Arthrocentesis, Central Venous Catheter placement etc. we should be having difficulty while coding blood patch […]

  17. […] in biopsy like thyroid biopsy, lung biopsy, breast biopsy and injection procedure like arthrogram, arthrocentesis etc. Only one thing should be always remembered, CPT code 76942 is only used for non-vascular […]

  18. […] are bundled and includes the guidance codes as well. We have similar injection procedures like arthrocentesis, arthrogram, myelogram were we need to use guidance procedure codes. Every year now most of the […]

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