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The procedure described by CPT® Code 0566T involves the use of an autologous cellular implant derived from adipose tissue specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected joints. As the condition progresses, it can result in the formation of bone spurs within the knee joint, exacerbated by the presence of cytokines and enzymes that further contribute to cartilage degradation. This innovative procedure represents a form of regenerative therapy aimed at alleviating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis through the injection of the patient's own adipose tissue. The adipose tissue is harvested from the patient, typically through a process known as subcutaneous liposuction, which can be performed on various areas of the body where excess fat is present, such as the abdomen, flank, or thigh. The harvested tissue is then processed to extract mesenchymal stem cells, which are known for their regenerative properties. This is significant because adipose tissue contains a higher concentration of these stem cells compared to other sources, such as bone marrow. The procedure not only involves the injection of the processed adipose tissue into the knee joint but also includes ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the cellular implant. This method aims to promote healing and potentially restore function in the knee joint affected by osteoarthritis.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 0566T is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees. This condition is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. The procedure is specifically designed for patients who are experiencing these symptoms and may benefit from regenerative therapy using their own adipose tissue.
The procedure begins with the harvesting of adipose tissue from the patient, typically performed through subcutaneous liposuction. This involves making small incisions in the skin over areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen, flank, or thigh. A syringe or cannula is used to aspirate the fat tissue, which is then collected for processing. Once the adipose tissue is harvested, it undergoes a series of processing steps to isolate mesenchymal stem cells. This processing may include methods such as centrifugation, sedimentation, or washing and filtration, which serve to increase the concentration of stem cells while removing contaminants like cellular debris, oils, and blood cells. After processing, the next step involves preparing for the injection of the cellular implant into the knee joint. This is done under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. The healthcare provider will make one or multiple small incisions over the knee to access the joint. Prior to the injection, synovial fluid is withdrawn from the joint to create space for the adipose-derived graft. The processed adipose tissue is then injected into the knee joint using a needle or small-gauge cannula, allowing for direct delivery of the cellular implant to the affected area.
Post-procedure care following the injection of the autologous cellular implant may include monitoring for any immediate adverse reactions and providing instructions for activity modification. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor recovery. The expected recovery period may vary depending on individual patient factors and the extent of the procedure, but patients should be informed about potential symptoms such as mild swelling or discomfort in the knee, which may occur as part of the healing process.
| Short Descr | AUTOL CELL IMPLT ADPS NJX | Medium Descr | AUTOL CELL IMPLT ADPS TISS NJX IMPLT KNEE UNI | Long Descr | Autologous cellular implant derived from adipose tissue for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees; injection of cellular implant into knee joint including ultrasound guidance, unilateral | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2020-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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