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An injection procedure for elbow arthrography involves the administration of a contrast agent into the elbow joint to enhance imaging studies. This procedure is typically performed to visualize the internal structures of the elbow, such as ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues, which may not be clearly seen on standard X-rays. The process begins with the cleansing of the skin at the injection site to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Following this, a needle is carefully inserted into the elbow joint, allowing for the aspiration of any existing fluid, which may provide diagnostic information. Subsequently, a radiopaque substance, which is a contrast medium that appears white on X-ray images, is injected into the joint space. This contrast agent is crucial for highlighting the anatomy of the elbow during imaging. The patient is often instructed to move the elbow to facilitate even distribution of the contrast agent throughout the joint. After the contrast has been adequately dispersed, radiographic images are taken to assess the joint's condition. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various elbow pathologies, including tears, inflammation, and other abnormalities that may not be visible through conventional imaging techniques.
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The injection procedure for elbow arthrography is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed visualization of the elbow joint is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The injection procedure for elbow arthrography consists of several key steps that ensure the accurate delivery of the contrast agent and the subsequent imaging of the joint. The following procedural steps are involved:
After the injection procedure for elbow arthrography, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the contrast agent or the procedure itself. It is common for patients to experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few hours. Patients may be advised to rest the elbow and avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure. Additionally, they should be informed about potential signs of complications, such as increased pain, redness, or swelling, and instructed to contact their healthcare provider if these occur. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the imaging studies and any further management required based on the findings.
| Short Descr | INJECTION PX FOR ELBOW ARTHG | Medium Descr | INJECTION PROCEDURE FOR ELBOW ARTHROGRAPHY | Long Descr | Injection procedure for elbow arthrography | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1F - Standard imaging - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 77002 | CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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). | 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. | 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.) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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) | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | 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 |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short and medium descriptions changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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