2025 CPT code 20950
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Monitoring of interstitial fluid pressure (includes insertion of device, e.g., wick catheter technique, needle manometer technique) in detection of muscle compartment syndrome
Modifiers applicable to this code include 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 50 (Bilateral Procedure), 76 (Repeat Procedure by Same Physician), and others as appropriate.
Medical necessity for 20950 is established when there is clinical suspicion of compartment syndrome, a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment can compromise blood flow and nerve function. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or other conditions.The procedure helps determine the need for interventions like fasciotomy.
The physician prepares the patient, provides local anesthesia, inserts the pressure monitoring device (needle or wick catheter), obtains and records the pressure readings, removes the device, and applies a sterile dressing.
In simple words: The doctor measures the pressure inside your muscle to check for a condition called compartment syndrome. This can happen after an injury or surgery.The doctor inserts a small needle or tube into the muscle to measure the pressure. This helps them decide on the best treatment.
This code encompasses the process of monitoring interstitial fluid pressure within a muscle compartment to detect compartment syndrome. It includes the insertion of a measuring device, such as a wick catheter or needle manometer.The procedure involves preparing the patient, anesthetizing the area, inserting the device, recording the pressure, removing the device, and applying a sterile dressing.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with severe pain and swelling in their lower leg following a tibia fracture. To rule out compartment syndrome, the physician performs interstitial fluid pressure monitoring using a wick catheter technique (20950)., A postoperative patient who underwent a fasciotomy for compartment syndrome requires ongoing monitoring of interstitial fluid pressure. The physician uses a needle manometer technique (20950) to assess the pressure within the affected compartment., An athlete experiences persistent pain and tightness in their forearm muscles. The physician suspects chronic exertional compartment syndrome and performs interstitial fluid pressure monitoring (20950) before and after exercise to confirm the diagnosis.
Documentation should include the reason for the procedure (e.g., suspected compartment syndrome), the technique used (wick catheter or needle manometer), the location of the measurement, the pressure readings obtained, and any associated symptoms or findings.
** For postoperative monitoring of interstitial fluid pressure that is routinely performed, do not report 20950 separately. If a device is included in the procedure, bill separately using the appropriate HCPCS code.
- Revenue Code: P6B - MINOR PROCEDURES - MUSCULOSKELETAL
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital,Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office