Radiology Coding Alert

Limit to one unit for every single joint.

In the list of CCI Manual updates from CMS, you will find an update for arthrocentesis, both with or without ultrasound guidance. CPT® codes 20600-20611 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection …) represent aspiration and/or injection to different sized joints or bursae with or without ultrasound guidance. 

Here are 2 simple steps you should remember when submitting claims for arthrocentesis.

1. Do not count joints and bursae separately: When reporting these codes, remember that a unit of service equals a joint and its surrounding bursae (if any). 

2. Submit only one unit for each joint: Do not report more than one unit of service for arthrocentesis of any joint, regardless of whether the physician also aspirates or injects one or more of the bursae surrounding the joint.

Example: Your physician performs arthrocentesis of the shoulder and two bursae of the same shoulder. He uses ultrasound guidance. You should report one unit of 20611 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa [e.g., shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa]; with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting).