What is the difference between CPT code 20550 and 20551?

What is the difference between CPT code 20550 and 20551?

20551 should be used when the origin or insertion of a tendon is injected, in contrast to an injection of the tendon sheath, CPT code 20550. If image guidance is performed with the injection, it is reported using 76942, 77002, 77021.

What is a lateral epicondyle injection?

A lateral epicondyle injection injects corticosteroid medication to reduce pain and inflammation in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a painful condition of the elbow due to its overuse or strenuous activity that causes pain in the elbow and arm.

What is the CPT code for lateral epicondylitis?

Appendix

Diagnosis/Procedure ICD-9/CPT Code
Lateral epicondylitis 726.32
Radial nerve syndrome 354.3
Open Treatment – Before 2008
Fasciotomy, lateral or medial (eg, tennis elbow or epicondylitis) 24350

What is the difference between lateral epicondylitis and medial epicondylitis?

Lateral epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow,” is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Medial epicondylitis, or “golfer’s elbow,” is an inflammation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the inside of the bone at your elbow.

What is the CPT code for lateral epicondyle injection?

20551
CPT code 20551 (Injection(s); single tendon origin/insertion) may be given to the origin site of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon for treatment of lateral epicondylitis as an example. The injection is not “in the joint or bursa” but is at the location of where the tendon originates.

Where do you inject for lateral epicondylitis?

Patients are placed in the supine position. For lateral epicondylitis, the affected arm should rest at the side with the elbow flexed to 45 degrees and the wrist pronated. For medial epicondylitis, the injection should proceed with the affected arm resting comfortably abducted and the hand supinated.

Is 20550 covered by Medicare?

20550 or 20551 Doctor’s diagnosis is Plantar Fasciitis of left foot. If you use 20551 for the injection, what ICD-10 code you will use on LCD, this is a Medicare patient. Medicare will deny M72. 2 with 20551.

author

Back to Top