2025 CPT code 20551

Injection(s); single tendon origin/insertion.

Report 20551 only once per injection site, even if multiple injections are given at the same site during the same encounter. If multiple tendons are injected, report 20551 for each distinct tendon. Do not report this code for trigger point injections, which are reported using codes 20552 and 20553.

Modifiers such as 50 (bilateral), 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), LT (left side), and RT (right side) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.

Medical necessity for 20551 is established by documenting the patient's condition, failed conservative treatments, and the clinical rationale for the injection.

The physician prepares the patient and the injection site, may use imaging guidance if necessary, administers the injection into the tendon origin/insertion, and monitors the patient for any adverse reactions.

IMPORTANT Do not report 20551 in conjunction with 0232T or 0481T. For harvesting, preparation, and injection(s) of platelet-rich plasma, use 0232T. For injections into the tendon sheath, use 20550. For multiple trigger point injections, use 20552.

In simple words: An injection is given at the point where a tendon connects to the bone to reduce pain and swelling.

This code represents the injection of a therapeutic substance, such as a corticosteroid or anesthetic, into the origin or insertion point of a single tendon. It is used to treat conditions like tendonitis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the tendon's attachment to the bone.

Example 1: A patient presents with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). The physician injects a corticosteroid at the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon., A patient experiences pain at the insertion of the Achilles tendon. The physician injects an anesthetic and corticosteroid at the insertion point to alleviate the pain and inflammation., A patient suffers from De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The physician uses ultrasound guidance to precisely inject a corticosteroid into the origin of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

Documentation should include the specific tendon injected, the location of the injection (origin or insertion), the substance injected, the diagnosis, and any imaging guidance used.

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