2025 CPT code 25246
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthrography Musculoskeletal System Feed
Injection procedure for wrist arthrography.
Modifiers may be appended depending on the circumstances, such as modifier 59 (distinct procedural service), 76 (repeat procedure), or others as clinically indicated.
Medical necessity for a wrist arthrogram is established based on clinical findings suggesting an intra-articular pathology, such as persistent pain, limited range of motion, or suspected ligament/cartilage injury.The procedure should be deemed necessary by the ordering physician and be consistent with accepted standards of care.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for preparing the patient, inserting the needle (often under fluoroscopic guidance), injecting the contrast material, potentially aspirating joint fluid, and removing the needle. They must confirm proper needle placement and ensure patient safety throughout the procedure.
In simple words: This code covers the injection of a special dye into your wrist joint.This dye helps the doctor take clear x-ray images of the joint to check for problems. The doctor uses a needle and may also take a sample of the fluid in your joint for testing.
This CPT code encompasses the injection procedure for wrist arthrography.It involves the insertion of a needle into the wrist joint, typically under fluoroscopic guidance, to inject contrast material (dye or dye and air for a double contrast arthrogram).Joint fluid aspiration for laboratory analysis may also be included.The code is solely for the injection; the interpretation of the resulting arthrogram is reported separately using code 73315.
Example 1: A patient presents with persistent wrist pain and suspected ligament tear.The physician orders a wrist arthrogram to visualize the joint structures. This code would be used to report the injection of contrast material., A patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis undergoes a wrist arthrogram to assess joint damage and inflammation.The physician performs the injection as described, and this code would be used for billing., A patient experiences acute wrist pain following a fall.An arthrogram is indicated to rule out any fracture or intra-articular injury. This code would be used to bill for the contrast injection during the arthrogram procedure.
The medical record must include the indication for the arthrogram, documentation of the procedure (needle insertion site, type and amount of contrast used, aspiration of joint fluid if any), and any complications encountered.If fluoroscopy was used, that should be documented as well.Radiology reports should be available for cross-referencing.
** This code should only be used for the injection portion of the wrist arthrography.The imaging and interpretation are separately reported.
- Revenue Code: I1F (STANDARD IMAGING - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Radiology, Rheumatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center