Advanced Search

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Report Single Code for Drainage/Joint Injection

Published on Fri Oct 19, 2007

Question: A patient reports to the ED after falling from a ladder. She is complaining of pain in her right wrist/hand, which is swollen and red. The physician drains fluid from the wrist and injects 20 mg of Depo-Medrol into the joint. Can we report separate codes for the injection and drainage?


Connecticut Subscriber
Answer: CPT contains a single code to represent the injection and drainage. On the claim, therefore, you should report the following:

- 20605 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; intermediate joint or bursa [e.g., temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, wrist, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa]) for the injection and drainage

- 719.44 (Pain in joint; hand) to represent the patient's injury 

- E881.0 (Fall from ladder) to indicate the cause of the patient's injury

- J1020 (Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 20 mg) for the drug supply.
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

ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

View All