when coding SI joint injections without guidance, the book instructs you to use 20552 & 20553. I am not understanding how the SI JOINT can be coded with a code which clearly states trigger point "muscle" . The SI is a joint and not a muscle. I have been told by employer that the correct coding is 20610. Could someone please help me understand which code is used for a patient who has received SI joint injections without guidance.
Thank you, in advance, for any help with this matter.
For medicare patients, we bill G0260, but any other insurance (besides medicaid, they don't allow) we bill 27096. It includes the guidance, but its not a requirement for you to be able to bill the code.
Code description (27096):
"The physician injects the sacroiliac joint, the articulation between the sacrum and the ilium in the pelvis. The physician draws contrast, an anesthetic, and/or steroid into a syringe. Through a posterior approach, a needle (syringe attached) is inserted into the sacroiliac joint. Arthrography, CT, or fluoroscopic guidance
may be used to guide the needle placement. The physician pushes on the syringe to deliver its content into the joint. The needle is withdrawn."
Hope this helps
