Wiki Arthrocentesis, Major Joint 20610

[StacyGalloway]

We had a patient come in with knee pain. With the first exam the pt stated there was pain around the knee. So the Dr injected that area first with only 10% improvement in pain. Then the Dr decided to aspirate the joint and then inject the joint again. This gave the pt 50% pain reduction.

This was first coded as 20610 lt and 20610 lt, 76 along with the medication that was injected. Denied. We have since sent in a reconsideration along with notes from that date of service. Is there a better way to code this to recoup all of the physicians work, or is the second injection just not reimbursable?

Thanks

 

[mitchellde]

It needed to be
20610 lt
20610 76, lt
You put the pay me modifier before the anatomical modifier.

 

[StacyGalloway]

Thank you!