-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki Barbotage
- Thread starter StuC2018
- Start date
nolanspade
Networker
Hi, that's a really old article, and I don't agree.
Even if the barbotage was of the shoulder joint, I do not believe it should be 20610. (Certainly not with the x-ray code recommended in that article.) It doesn't fit the definition of aspiration, arthrocentsesis or injection. If an injection of medication was also performed, I believe the barbotage work may be in addition to the steroid injection. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572096/
Other sources point to 20551 - but that is defined as an injection into a tendon " to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling from a diseased or damaged tendon." Not Calcium hydroxyapatite removal.
I believe the correct codes for the barbotage portion of the procedure are the unlisted for the body area treated. CPT says (very close to the beginning of their guidelines) that we cannot choose a CPT that merely resembles a procedure.