How To Use CPT Code 27369

CPT 27369 describes the injection procedure for contrast knee arthrography or contrast-enhanced CT/MRI knee arthrography. 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 27369?

CPT 27369 can be used to describe the injection procedure for contrast knee arthrography or contrast-enhanced CT/MRI knee arthrography. This code is used when a provider injects contrast material into the knee joint to enhance the internal structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and bones for diagnostic purposes.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27369 is: ‘Injection procedure for contrast knee arthrography or contrast-enhanced CT/MRI knee arthrography.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers local anesthesia.
2. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the provider inserts a needle into the knee joint cavity.
3. The provider injects a contrast solution, such as iodine, into the joint until resistance is felt, indicating that the joint is full.
4. The provider removes the needle and performs a separately reportable X-ray, CT, or MRI imaging of the joint to assess for injury.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27369 is used when the provider performs an injection procedure for contrast knee arthrography or contrast-enhanced CT/MRI knee arthrography. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 20610, 20611, or 29871. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the injection of contrast material and not for arthrocentesis or injection of any other material.

5. When to use CPT code 27369

CPT code 27369 should be used when a provider performs the injection procedure for contrast knee arthrography or contrast-enhanced CT/MRI knee arthrography. It is important to ensure that the injection is performed for diagnostic purposes and not for therapeutic reasons.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27369, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the injection procedure
• Type of contrast material used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the injection procedure, including the use of fluoroscopic guidance
• Separately reportable X-ray, CT, or MRI imaging performed

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27369, ensure that the injection procedure is performed for contrast knee arthrography or contrast-enhanced CT/MRI knee arthrography. Do not report this code in conjunction with codes 20610, 20611, or 29871. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting when fluoroscopic guidance is used for enhanced CT or MRI arthrography.

8. Historical information

CPT 27369 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider injects contrast material into the knee joint prior to contrast knee arthrography to assess for ligament injury.
2. A patient undergoes contrast-enhanced CT knee arthrography, and the provider performs the injection procedure to enhance the visualization of the knee joint structures.
3. A provider administers contrast material into the knee joint before contrast-enhanced MRI knee arthrography to evaluate cartilage abnormalities.
4. A patient receives an injection of contrast material for contrast knee arthrography to aid in the diagnosis of unexplained knee pain.
5. A provider performs the injection procedure for contrast-enhanced CT knee arthrography to assess for meniscal tears in a patient with knee instability.
6. A patient undergoes contrast-enhanced MRI knee arthrography, and the provider performs the injection procedure to enhance the visualization of the knee joint for diagnostic purposes.
7. A provider injects contrast material into the knee joint prior to contrast knee arthrography to evaluate the integrity of the cruciate ligaments.
8. A patient receives an injection of contrast material for contrast-enhanced CT knee arthrography to assess for articular cartilage abnormalities.
9. A provider performs the injection procedure for contrast-enhanced MRI knee arthrography to aid in the diagnosis of a suspected meniscal tear.
10. A patient undergoes contrast knee arthrography, and the provider performs the injection procedure to enhance the visualization of the knee joint structures for diagnostic purposes.