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Orthopedic Coding Alert

READER QUESTION:

Insurers May Balk at Paying Multiple Units of 77002

Published on Thu Feb 08, 2007

Question: When we perform multiple joint injections at the same time, can we report 77002 (76003 in CPT 2006) more than once?


Colorado Subscriber


Answer: Technically, you should be able to report the new code 77002 more than once for each separate service, but your payer may have another opinion.

The descriptor for 77002 (Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device]) says -guidance for needle placement- in the singular. The descriptor does not also have a specific time range like some other fluoroscopic codes, so time is not a factor.

Fluoroscopic guidance is bundled into numerous services though, so check NCCI edits before you code.

And remember that if you do a radiographic arthrogram (for example, 73580, Radiologic examination, knee, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation), you can't charge separately for the fluoro because it's included in the arthrogram supervision and interpretation code.
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