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The CPT® Code 27648 refers to the injection procedure specifically designed for ankle arthrography. This procedure involves a series of steps that begin with the cleansing of the skin at the injection site to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. A needle is then carefully inserted into the ankle joint, allowing for the aspiration of any existing fluid within the joint space using a syringe. This step is crucial as it prepares the joint for the subsequent injection of a radiopaque substance, which is essential for imaging purposes. The radiopaque substance is injected into the ankle joint, and the joint is then exercised to facilitate even distribution of the contrast material throughout the joint space. This distribution is vital for obtaining clear and accurate imaging results. Once the contrast material has been adequately distributed, radiographic images are obtained, which are reported separately. This comprehensive approach allows for detailed visualization of the ankle joint, aiding in the diagnosis and assessment of various conditions affecting the joint.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The injection procedure for ankle arthrography, as described by CPT® Code 27648, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed imaging of the ankle joint is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for ankle arthrography involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging and patient safety. The first step is the cleansing of the skin over the injection site, which is performed to reduce the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area, providing comfort to the patient during the procedure. Once the area is adequately anesthetized, a needle is carefully inserted into the ankle joint. This step may involve aspirating any existing synovial fluid from the joint using a syringe, which helps to clear the joint space for the subsequent injection. After aspiration, a radiopaque substance is injected into the joint. This contrast material is essential for enhancing the visibility of the joint structures during imaging. To ensure that the radiopaque substance is evenly distributed throughout the joint, the patient is instructed to exercise the ankle. This movement aids in the thorough distribution of the contrast material. Finally, once the contrast has been adequately distributed, radiographic images are obtained. These images are crucial for diagnosing any abnormalities or conditions affecting the ankle joint and are reported separately from the injection procedure itself.
After the ankle arthrography procedure, patients may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the injection. It is common for patients to experience some mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own. Patients are usually advised to rest the ankle and avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure. Additionally, they may be instructed to apply ice to the area to reduce any swelling. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the radiographic images and to determine any further treatment options based on the findings. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain or signs of infection, to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | INJECTION FOR ANKLE X-RAY | Medium Descr | INJECTION ANKLE ARTHROGRAPHY | Long Descr | Injection procedure for ankle 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) |
| 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) | 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. | 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). | 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.) | 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 | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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