Forum - Questions & Answers

Jul 24th, 2009 - skindoc1 2 

Arthrocentesis

Is there some special way to code arthrocentesis? We are going to be performing arthrocentesis on the TMJ joint, which is code 20605. We will be injecting 3 different drugs into the muscles, and some into the joint itself. All the literature I read tells me I would use 20605, the HCPCS for the 3 drugs, and the actual injections are 99070. The doctor thinks there are several more codes to use and that the procedure should be around $1200. From the fee schedules I've seen, it is no where near this amount. So, I am wondering if I'm going about this wrong. Any ideas?

Jul 24th, 2009 -

TMJ injection

Not into my TMJ! 3 drugs and into the muscle???? Out of curiosity and to further my knowledge base, what is the diagnosis?

Jul 24th, 2009 - skindoc1 2 

tmj

Basically it is Temperomandibular dysfunction, with osteoarthritis and a slew of other problems within the joint. The patient has pain with every movement of her jaw.

Jul 24th, 2009 - EVALAPPIN 7 

Arthocentesis

I would code the claim with a 20605 for the injection into the joint then a 20553 with mod 59 for the inj into the 3 muscles, making sure that TMJ diagnosis is on the 20605, and the muscle prob dx on the 20553.
then the HCPCS codes for each medication injected.

Hope this helps.



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