Anesthesia Coding Alert
Reader Question:
20600 Applies to Heel Spur Injection
Published on Thu Sep 09, 2004
Question: Which code should I use for a heel spur steroid injection? Answer: The best code for this injection is CPT 20600 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; small joint or bursa [e.g., fingers, toes]), which is a three-unit procedure. You won't report time units with it because this is a medical procedure instead of an anesthesia procedure.
Oregon Subscriber
Remember also to bill for the medication, especially if the physician used Depo-Medrol (codes J1020, J1030 and J1040 for different quantities for Injection, methylprednisolone acetate). Medicare bundles some medications with the injection, but it reimburses for Depo-Medrol.
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