Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: I recently received a denial for a cortisone injection to the sinus tarsi with CPT code 20550. Is there a more appropriate code for this procedure?Montana SubscriberAnswer: The correct code for this procedure is hard to pin down, because the sinus tarsi is neither a joint nor a ligament, but a space.Your coding will depend on whether the podiatrist administers an injection into the surrounding soft tissue -- in which case 20550 (Injection[s]; single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis [e.g., plantar "fascia"]) is appropriate -- or, most often, into the actual sinus tarsi space. If this is the case, you can more accurately describe your work using 20605 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; intermediate joint or bursa [e.g., temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, wrist, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa]).Watch out: In some cases, you may find that Medicare only approves 20600 (Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; small joint or bursa [e.g., fingers, toes]). But check with [...]