tci Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2018 Issue 5

Reader Question: Avoid Use of Multiple Codes for Aspiration, Injection of Same Joint

Question: How do I code a scenario in which the provider performs a knee aspiration and then follows up with a knee injection of the same joint during the same encounter? The aspiration utilized ultrasound guidance, but the injection did not. New York Subscriber Answer: In circumstances where they physician treats the same joint twice, you should only apply one injection/aspiration code. This becomes slightly trickier due to the fact that the aspiration used ultrasound guidance and the injection did not. In this situation, some coders may consider billing out for both 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint...

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