09/08/2017

Correct Billing for a Fine Needle Aspiration of an Unknown ST Mass

I am wondering how to appropriately bill for a fine needle aspiration of an unknown ST mass? If this is being done for diagnostic purposes vs. known ganglion cyst would that change your coding? Would you use: 20612 (ganglion inj/asp) or 10021(FNA) or something else? Thank you in advance.

The appropriate CPT code to bill depends on what is being aspirated and the site in question:

• If a aspiration is being done on soft tissue and does not involve any joints or bone, CPT 10021 (Fine needle aspiration without imaging guidance) would be the most appropriate
• If an aspiration and/or drainage is being performed specifically for a ganglion cyst, CPT 20612 (Aspiration and/or injection of ganglion cyst(s) any location) should be billed
• If the aspiration or injection involves the bursa or any joint for diagnostic care, one of the following injection codes should be used:

• 20600 (Arthrocentesis…small joint or bursa)
• 20605 (Arthrocentesis…intermediate joint or bursa)
• 20610 (Arthrocentesis…large joint or bursa)