New 2015 CPT Changes for Injection Codes
As of Jan. 1, 2015, there is a coding change to the arthrocentesis injection codes (20600–20611). The codes are now separated to reflect an injection/aspiration with or without ultrasound guidance. The coding scenario below demonstrates an example of this change.
A 65-year-old female patient diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the right knee comes in for the second of five scheduled hyaluronate injections. The patient reports that her right knee has been more swollen and stiff in the past three weeks. The patient is on celecoxib. The patient had an intraarticular injection of her knee one month ago, with marked improvement in her knee pain and swelling. On examination, the patient was alert and oriented. Vital signs were normal. Height 5’7”, weight 180 lbs. The HEENT exam was normal. The patient’s physical examination was remarkable for a large effusion of the right knee. The physician explains therapeutic options to the patient, including risks and benefits, and performs an aspiration and injection of the right knee. The patient was injected with 20 mg of hyaluronate with ultrasound guidance.
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