2025 CPT code 23350
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction or Removal Procedures on the Shoulder Musculoskeletal System Feed
Injection procedure for shoulder arthrography or enhanced CT/MRI shoulder arthrography.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service), 76 (repeat procedure), and others may apply depending on the circumstances and the associated imaging studies.
Shoulder arthrography is medically necessary when other imaging modalities (e.g., plain x-rays, ultrasound) are inconclusive and there is a clinical suspicion of intra-articular pathology (e.g., rotator cuff tear, labral tear, loose bodies, infection).
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for prepping the patient, inserting the needle under fluoroscopic guidance, injecting the contrast agent, and ensuring the joint is adequately filled. They are also responsible for ordering the subsequent imaging studies (x-ray, CT, or MRI).
- Musculoskeletal System
- Surgical Procedures on the Shoulder > Introduction or Removal Procedures on the Shoulder
In simple words: This code covers a shot of special dye into the shoulder joint to get clearer x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs of the joint. The doctor uses these images to check for injuries.The images themselves are billed separately.
This CPT code encompasses the injection procedure for shoulder arthrography, which involves injecting a contrast agent into the shoulder joint to enhance imaging.This can be followed by x-ray, CT, or MRI imaging for enhanced visualization. The procedure includes needle insertion and contrast injection; imaging is reported separately.
Example 1: A patient presents with shoulder pain and limited range of motion after a fall.The physician orders a shoulder arthrogram to assess for joint injury.Code 23350 is used for the injection of contrast.The imaging study is billed separately., A patient with suspected rotator cuff tear undergoes a shoulder arthrogram with CT arthrography. Code 23350 is used for the contrast injection, and codes for CT arthrography are used to bill for the imaging component., A patient with a history of shoulder instability undergoes a shoulder arthrogram with MRI arthrography to evaluate the joint. Code 23350 represents the contrast injection, with separate codes representing the MRI imaging and interpretation.
Detailed history and physical examination, imaging orders, informed consent, operative report documenting contrast injection technique, type and amount of contrast agent used, and images (x-ray, CT, or MRI) with radiologist's interpretation report.
** The injection is considered a minor procedure and is often performed in conjunction with other imaging studies.Careful documentation is essential to ensure accurate billing.
- Revenue Code: I1F (STANDARD IMAGING - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Radiology, Sports Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center