Arthrocentesis on bilateral joints

[dorinda05]

Please advise on how to code for Arthrocentesis on bilateral knee joints w/Depomedrol 40mg in each knee...

20610 x2
J1030 X2

20610-50
J1030 X2




Thank you in advance!
Dorinda Conner-CPC

 

[sharon.m.rogers]

I would use the 20610-50 as it depicts a bilateral procedure. I would think you would get denials using 20610 with two units of service. Hope this helps!

R/
Sharon Rogers CCP-S, CDEO

 

[brightpea]

Our ortho clinic had issues coding this for a while. We determined Humana in our area prefers that it be coded one way, while all other insurances preferred another. This is how our practice breaks it down:

Humana (for bilateral joint)
20610-RT
20610-LT
J-code x2

All other ins
20610-50
J-code x2

hth!