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20501 Njx sinus tract diagnostic

Surgery Global 0d

Also known as: sinus tract injection diagnostic, fistulography

Injection of diagnostic contrast agent into a sinus tract or fistula to delineate anatomy and define tract course. This procedure provides imaging information about tract anatomy.

In Plain Language

injecting dye into a fistula to see its path

Clinical Context

Used for diagnostic evaluation of sinus tracts and fistulas to determine tract course and associated anatomy before treatment planning.

RVU Breakdown

Work RVU0.74
Total RVU0.74

Est. Medicare Payment

$24.72

National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).

Billing & Documentation

As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.

How This Code Compares

With a work RVU of 0.74, this code ranks in the 2nd percentile among Surgery codes — 10.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.

Specialties

General SurgeryColorectal SurgeryRadiology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 20501?

CPT 20501 (Njx sinus tract diagnostic) is a Surgery code. Injection of diagnostic contrast agent into a sinus tract or fistula to delineate anatomy and define tract course. This procedure provides imaging information about tract anatomy.

What is the wRVU value for CPT 20501?

The work RVU for CPT 20501 is 0.74. This code is primarily used by General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Radiology.

When is CPT 20501 used?

Used for diagnostic evaluation of sinus tracts and fistulas to determine tract course and associated anatomy before treatment planning.

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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.