How To Use CPT Code 25246

CPT code 25246 describes the injection procedure for wrist arthrography, which is an imaging study used to evaluate the internal joint structures of the wrist. 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 25246?

CPT 25246 is a code used to describe the injection procedure for wrist arthrography. This procedure involves the injection of a contrast dye into the wrist joint to obtain images that can help diagnose joint conditions and unexplained pain. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider under fluoroscopic guidance.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 25246 is: ‘Injection procedure for wrist arthrography.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 25246 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped for the procedure.
2. The healthcare provider inserts a needle into the wrist joint, typically under fluoroscopic guidance.
3. The provider confirms the position of the needle by injecting contrast dye or a combination of dye and air for a double contrast arthrogram.
4. If necessary, the provider may remove some joint fluid for further analysis.
5. Finally, the provider removes the needle.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 25246 is used for patients who require wrist arthrography to evaluate the internal structures of the wrist joint. This procedure is typically performed when there is a suspected joint condition or unexplained pain in the wrist. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the injection procedure and not for the actual imaging procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 25246

CPT code 25246 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the injection procedure for wrist arthrography. It should not be used for the radiological supervision and interpretation of the imaging study, which should be reported separately using code 73315. Additionally, if the injection and the imaging procedure are performed by different providers, the provider performing the injection should report CPT code 25246.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 25246, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or symptoms necessitating the wrist arthrography
• Details of the injection procedure, including the use of contrast dye or air
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as joint fluid removal
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 25246, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that it accurately reflects the injection procedure for wrist arthrography. It is important to note that code 25246 should not be reported in conjunction with code 77002, which is used for radiological supervision and interpretation. Additionally, if the injection and the imaging procedure are performed by different providers, the provider performing the injection should report CPT code 25246.

8. Historical information

CPT code 25246 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 25246

There are several similar codes to CPT code 25246 that are used for different procedures. These include:

• CPT 20520: This code is used for the removal of foreign bodies from the superficial tissues of the forearm and wrist.
• CPT 73115: This code is used for the radiological supervision and interpretation of wrist arthrography.
• CPT 73315: This code is used for the radiologic examination of the wrist joint, including arthrography.

9. Examples

Here are some examples of cases where CPT code 25246 may be used:

1. A patient presents with persistent wrist pain, and the healthcare provider performs a wrist arthrography to evaluate the internal structures of the joint.
2. A patient with a suspected ligament tear in the wrist undergoes a wrist arthrography to confirm the diagnosis.
3. A patient with chronic wrist instability undergoes a wrist arthrography to assess the integrity of the joint structures.
4. A patient with unexplained swelling in the wrist undergoes a wrist arthrography to identify the underlying cause.
5. A patient with a history of wrist trauma undergoes a wrist arthrography to evaluate the extent of the injury.