CPT® Code 20600 is used to report arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection of a small joint or bursa. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat inflammatory, degenerative, or traumatic conditions affecting small joints or bursae.
This code includes needle insertion and medication injection or fluid aspiration, but does not include imaging guidance or the cost of injectable medications, which may be reported separately when appropriate.
Key Facts About CPT® 20600
- Service type: Arthrocentesis and/or injection
- Provider type: Physicians and qualified healthcare professionals
- Medical services included: Yes—needle insertion, aspiration, and/or injection
- Joint size: Small joint or bursa
- Common anatomical sites:
- Fingers and toes
- Wrist
- Elbow
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Common clinical indications:
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Bursitis
- Joint effusion
- Pain and swelling requiring therapeutic injection
When to Use CPT® 20600
CPT 20600 is appropriate when:
- Aspiration and/or injection is performed on a small joint or bursa
- The procedure is medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment
- Imaging guidance is not used (if used, report separately)
- The service is not part of a more comprehensive procedure
Examples:
- Corticosteroid injection into a painful wrist joint
- Aspiration of fluid from an inflamed elbow bursa
- Therapeutic injection into a finger joint for inflammatory arthritis
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 20600 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Specific joint or bursa treated
- Indication for the procedure
- Aspiration and/or injection performed
- Medication administered (if applicable), including dosage and route
- Patient tolerance and any complications
Clear documentation supports clinical safety, compliance, and reimbursement.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 20600 is widely covered when medically necessary
- Injectable medications may be billed separately using appropriate HCPCS codes
- Imaging guidance (e.g., ultrasound or fluoroscopy) must be billed separately when applicable
- Modifier usage may apply if multiple joints are treated
- Laterality modifiers may be required depending on payer rules
Always confirm payer-specific billing guidelines before submission.
How OptiMantra Supports Arthrocentesis Procedures
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system helps streamline documentation and billing for CPT 20600:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Document joint injections and aspirations using structured templates
- Track anatomical site, laterality, and medications administered
- Link procedures to treatment plans
- Maintain longitudinal records for repeat joint interventions
By centralizing procedural workflows, OptiMantra helps practices improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and optimize reimbursement.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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