Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Tendon Injection for L5-S1 Transverse Process

Published on Thu Aug 09, 2007

 Question: Our physician's dictation states, "At the junction of the L5 transverse process where it touches the sacrum because it is a transitional level, triamcinolone was injected." How should we code this?

Idaho Subscriber


 Answer: The dictation indicates the needle insertion site, but not the structure injected (ligament, tendon, muscle, etc.). Start by asking your provider the specific structure he injected.

 Lumbar transfer processes serve as attachment sites for many ligaments and the deep muscles of the back. Depending on the additional information your provider indicates, potential codes include 20550 (Injection[s]; single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis [e.g., plantar "fascia"]) or 20551 (... single tendon origin/insertion).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All