CPT code 20551 refers to a procedure where medicine is injected directly into one specific area where a tendon attaches to a bone.
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves administering an injection to help with pain or inflammation at the spot where a tendon attaches to a bone. It is often used to relieve discomfort in joints like the elbow, knee, or shoulder. It only targets one specific area, so other nearby areas or tendons aren’t treated during this procedure.
Common Names:
- Tendon Insertion Injection
- Tendon Injection Therapy
- Localized Tendon Injection
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 0.75.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Tendon Insertion Injection
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Injection for Tendon Attachment Area
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients who experience chronic pain or inflammation at the point where a tendon connects to a bone. For example, someone suffering from tennis elbow, where overuse leads to pain at the elbow’s tendon attachment, might find this procedure helpful. Another common scenario is for patients with conditions like golfer’s elbow or certain types of shoulder pain, where targeted relief is needed.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M77.10: Pain around the elbow, typically caused by overuse such as in tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
- M75.1: A condition involving shoulder pain due to tendon inflammation or degeneration.
- M76.10: Pain at the knee’s tendon attachment point, often due to repetitive movement or injury.
Summary
In summary, code 20551 describes an injection meant to address pain or issues at the point where a tendon attaches to a bone. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 20551 include M77.10 (Pain around the elbow) and M75.1 (Shoulder tendon inflammation).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.