Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Intent Helps Distinguish SI Injection From Arthrogram

Question: What is the difference between a sacroiliac (SI) joint injection and an SI joint arthrogram? How do I know the difference when requesting authorization prior to the procedure being rendered?South Carolina SubscriberAnswer: An arthrogram requires a formal radiological interpretation and report that the physician uses for further diagnosis and treatment of the patient. It also requires that hard copies of multiple views of the arthrogram be obtained. In contrast, the fluoroscopic guidance used with a diagnostic and/or therapeutic SI joint injection is used solely for confirming that the needle was accurately placed within the joint capsule; which is far more commonly performed. The Instructions for Use of the CPT® Codebook directs providers that "Reports are the work product of the interpretation of test results. Certain procedures or services described in CPT® involve a technical component (e.g., tests) that produce "results" (e.g., data, images, slides) ... Some CPT® descriptors specifically require [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All