Orthopedic Coding Alert
CORRECTION
In the Orthopedic Coding Alert, March 2014, the article entitled, “Knees: Confront Medication, Diagnoses, and E/M Challenges for Hyaluronic Acid Injections”says, “Global watch: Code 20610 has a 10-day global period.” This is incorrect. Code
20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection; major joint or bursa [e.g., shoulder, hip, knee joint, subacromial bursa]) has a 0-day global period, not 10. Practitioners often schedule follow-up Synvisc injections within the 90-day global period of surgery on the same knee. If the patient returns within the global period and the injections were prospectively planned, append modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) to 20610.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
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