20605 drainage/injection joint/bursa without ultrasound
Also known as: bursal aspiration, bursa injection, intermediate joint injection, wrist injection
Arthrocentesis with or without anesthetic injection performed on bursa instead of joint space. This accesses the bursal sac for aspiration or medication injection.
In Plain Language
needle into bursa for fluid removal or injection
Clinical Context
Used for aspiration of bursal fluid for diagnosis or treatment, or injection of anti-inflammatory medication for bursitis relief.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.66 |
| Total RVU | 0.66 |
Est. Medicare Payment
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 0.66, this code ranks in the 2nd percentile among Surgery codes — 12.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20605?
CPT 20605 (drainage/injection joint/bursa without ultrasound) is a Surgery code. Arthrocentesis with or without anesthetic injection performed on bursa instead of joint space. This accesses the bursal sac for aspiration or medication injection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20605?
The work RVU for CPT 20605 is 0.66. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Rheumatology.
When is CPT 20605 used?
Used for aspiration of bursal fluid for diagnosis or treatment, or injection of anti-inflammatory medication for bursitis relief.
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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.