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Official Description

Injection(s), platelet rich plasma, any site, including image guidance, harvesting and preparation when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical procedure that utilizes the patient's own blood to promote healing in non-healing injuries. This innovative treatment involves the extraction of a small amount of blood from the patient, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets. Platelets are a type of blood cell that play a crucial role in healing by releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. The concentrated platelets in PRP contain various growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF), which are essential for the healing process. When PRP is injected into an area of injury, it initiates a biological response that enhances the body's natural healing mechanisms. The procedure is often performed under image guidance to ensure accurate placement of the injection, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic injuries that have not responded to conventional treatments, offering a potential solution for improved recovery and healing.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are indicated for various conditions where traditional healing methods have failed. The following are specific indications for the procedure:

  • Non-healing injuries - PRP is primarily used to treat injuries that have not responded to standard treatments, promoting healing in damaged tissues.
  • Chronic tendon injuries - Conditions such as tendinitis or tendinopathy may benefit from PRP therapy to enhance recovery.
  • Osteoarthritis - PRP can be utilized to alleviate pain and improve function in joints affected by osteoarthritis.
  • Muscle injuries - PRP injections may assist in the healing of muscle strains or tears.
  • Ligament injuries - Injuries to ligaments, such as sprains, can be treated with PRP to facilitate repair.

2. Procedure

The procedure for administering platelet rich plasma involves several key steps that ensure the effective preparation and injection of the PRP into the injured site. Each step is critical for achieving optimal results.

  • Step 1: Blood Collection - The procedure begins with the collection of a small volume of blood from the patient, typically drawn from a vein in the arm. This blood serves as the source for the platelet rich plasma.
  • Step 2: Centrifugation - Once the blood is collected, it is placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood at high speeds. This process separates the blood components based on their density, allowing for the isolation of the plasma that is rich in platelets.
  • Step 3: Preparation of PRP - After centrifugation, the platelet rich plasma is carefully extracted from the blood sample. This concentrated plasma, which contains a higher concentration of platelets than normal blood, is then placed into a syringe, ready for injection.
  • Step 4: Anesthesia Administration - Before the injection, a local anesthetic may be administered to the patient to minimize discomfort during the procedure. This step is particularly important for sensitive areas or when the injection may cause pain.
  • Step 5: Injection of PRP - The prepared platelet rich plasma is then injected into the targeted injured tissue. Depending on the location of the injury, imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, may be utilized to ensure precise placement of the needle, enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment.

3. Post-Procedure

After the PRP injection, patients may experience some soreness or discomfort at the injection site, which is typically mild and temporary. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider. This may include recommendations for rest, ice application, and avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period to allow for optimal healing. Patients should also be monitored for any adverse reactions or complications following the procedure. The expected recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the injury, but many patients begin to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks as the healing process is stimulated by the growth factors in the PRP.

Short Descr NJX PLATELET PLASMA
Medium Descr NJX PLTLT PLASMA W/IMG HARVEST/PREPARATION
Long Descr Injection(s), platelet rich plasma, any site, including image guidance, harvesting and preparation when performed
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
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) 1 - Statutory 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 STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 231 - Other therapeutic procedures
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F5 Right hand, thumb
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
JZ Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
SJ Third or more concurrently administered infusion therapy
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
TA Left foot, great toe
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2011-01-01 Added First Appearance in Code Book
2010-07-01 Added Added
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