When do I use arthrocentesis CPT codes?

Answer 1

After administering a local anesthetic, the physician inserts a needle through the skin and into a joint or bursa. A fluid sample may be removed from the joint for examination or a fluid may be injected for lavage or drug therapy. The needle is then withdrawn and pressure is applied to stop any bleeding. Report 20600 for arthrocentesis of a small joint or bursa, such as the fingers or toes, without ultrasound guidance; 20604 for arthrocentesis of a small joint or bursa, with ultrasound guidance, including permanent record and report; 20605 for an intermediate joint or bursa, such as the wrist, elbow, ankle, olecranon bursa, or temporomandibular or acromioclavicular area, without ultrasound guidance; 20606 for intermediate joint or bursa, with ultrasound guidance, including permanent record and report; 20610 for a major joint or bursa injection or aspiration, such as of the shoulder, hip, knee joint, or subacromial bursa, without ultrasound guidance; 20611 for a major joint or bursa, with ultrasound guidance, including permanent record and report.

Answer 2

Arthrocentesis CPT codes are used to report aspiration of fluid from a joint or bursa. The lab analyses the fluid which helps the physician determine reason for the joint swelling.

 Arthrocentesis is also reported when the procedure is done to relieve joint pain (symptom of arthritis). For instance, ICD-10-CM diagnosis Code M06.861: Other specified rheumatoid arthritis, right knee, may be reported along with CPT procedure code 20610: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); without ultrasound guidance.

So, basically arthrocentesis can be performed for diagnostic and/ or therapeutic purposes.