Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: What code(s) would you use for the following injections performed at the same visit: lateral approach to the hindfoot injection in the sinus tarsi, space between talus and calcaneus for sinus tarsi syndrome, and injection medial ankle joint for pain and arthritis?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: Since the sinus tarsi is not a joint, you should report 20550 (Injection(s); single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis (eg, plantar “fascia”)) and 20605 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, intermediate joint or bursa (eg, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, wrist, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa); without ultrasound guidance) for the medial ankle joint injection. You would need to use a modifier to show the separate injection sites since they were performed on the same day.

If the same injection site was used for both, only charge for 20605. Code 20550 is a component of 20605, and you cannot bill them separately.

Don’t miss: If your podiatrist used ultrasound guidance (US), you should report 20606 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, intermediate joint or bursa (eg, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, wrist, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting).

For the ICD-10-CM codes, you should report M25.571 (Pain in right ankle and joints of right foot) and M19.071 (Primary osteoarthritis, right ankle and foot) for the right foot or M25.572 (Pain in left ankle and joints of left foot) and M19.072 (Primary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot) for the left foot.