Radiology Coding Alert
20552 Is Better Piriformis Option
Question: A co-worker and I disagree over the correct code for a piriformis injection. I thought we could use 64445, but she says no. What’s the right code?
Answer: The December 2011 issue of CPT® Assistant clarified that code 64445 (Injection, anesthetic agent; sciatic nerve, single) does not apply to piriformis muscle injections, in an article about reporting piriformis and sciatic nerve injections.
The better choice for piriformis injection is 20552 (Injection[s]; single or multiple trigger point[s], 1 or 2 muscle[s]), states CPT® Assistant (April 2012). You may report imaging guidance separately, such as 77002 (Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device]).
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