How To Use CPT Code 20550

CPT code 20550 describes the injection of a single tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis (such as the plantar “fascia”). This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 20550?

CPT 20550 is used to describe the injection of a single tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis. This procedure involves the administration of corticosteroid, anesthetic, or anti-inflammatory drugs into the aponeurosis of the tendon sheath and/or ligament. It is commonly used to reduce the formation of aponeurosis and provide therapeutic relief for patients.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 20550 is: ‘Injection(s) single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis (eg, plantar “fascia”)’. It is important to note that this code should not be used for the injection of Morton’s neuroma, which has its own specific codes (64455, 64632).

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 20550 involves the following steps:

1. The healthcare provider administers adequate anesthesia and prepares the injection site.
2. The provider locates the specific tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis that requires the injection.
3. The appropriate amount of corticosteroid, anesthetic, or anti-inflammatory drug is injected into the aponeurosis of the tendon sheath and/or ligament.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 20550 is typically performed for patients who require therapeutic injections into a single tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis. It is important to note that this code should not be used for injections into multiple sites or for injections into tendon origins or insertions. The specific circumstances for using CPT 20550 should be determined based on the patient’s condition and the provider’s clinical judgment.

5. When to use CPT code 20550

CPT code 20550 should be used when a healthcare provider administers a therapeutic injection into a single tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis. It is important to ensure that the injection is performed in accordance with the official description of the code and that it meets the specific requirements for this procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 20550, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The specific tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis that was injected
• The type and amount of medication administered
• The date and time of the injection
• The patient’s response to the injection
• Any additional instructions or follow-up appointments
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 20550, it is important to ensure that the injection is performed on a single tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis. This code should not be reported for injections into multiple sites or for injections into tendon origins or insertions. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 20550 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been several changes to the code, including updates to the code description and the addition of specific notes.

9. Similar codes to CPT 20550

There are several similar codes to CPT 20550 that are used for different procedures. These include:

• CPT 20551: Injections single tendon origin/insertion
• CPT 20552: Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), 1 or 2 muscle(s)
• CPT 20553: Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), 3 or more muscles
• CPT 20555: Injection(s); single tendon sheath, ligament, aponeurosis (eg, plantar “fascia”)
• CPT 20556: Injection(s); single tendon origin/insertion

9. Examples

1. A patient with plantar fasciitis receives an injection into the plantar “fascia” to alleviate pain and inflammation.
2. A patient with tennis elbow receives an injection into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
3. A patient with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis receives an injection into the tendon sheath to relieve pain and improve mobility.
4. A patient with trigger finger receives an injection into the tendon sheath to alleviate symptoms and improve finger movement.
5. A patient with Achilles tendonitis receives an injection into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
6. A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome receives an injection into the ligament to alleviate symptoms and improve hand function.
7. A patient with a ganglion cyst receives an injection into the cyst to reduce its size and alleviate pain.
8. A patient with a trigger point in their muscle receives an injection into the trigger point to relieve pain and improve muscle function.
9. A patient with a rotator cuff injury receives an injection into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
10. A patient with a sprained ankle receives an injection into the ligament to reduce swelling and promote healing.