Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our orthopedist administered a hip injection under fluoroscopy. Can I report both codes? Wyoming Subscriber Answer: You can code both the injection and fluoroscopy, but the correct choices depend on how your physician completed the procedure. Option 1: If your orthopedist injected radiopaque dye and performed the arthrography concurrently, code the procedure with 27093 (Injection procedure for hip arthrography; without anesthesia). Option 2: If he completed the guidance and injection as separate procedures, submit 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection; major joint or bursa [e.g., shoulder, hip, knee joint, subacromial bursa]) for the injection. Include 77002 (Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device]) for the fluoroscopic guidance. Remember to append modifier 26 (Professional component) to 77002 because your physician performed the service but doesn't own the fluoroscopy equipment. SI change: If the physician injects the sacroiliac joint instead of the hip joint, choose either 20610 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration, [...]