20610 drainage/injection joint/bursa without ultrasound
Also known as: joint aspiration, bursa injection, large joint injection, knee injection, shoulder injection
Drainage or injection into a joint or bursa without ultrasound guidance.
In Plain Language
fluid removal from joint; injection into joint or fluid-filled sac
Clinical Context
Used for therapeutic or diagnostic drainage of synovial fluid from joints or bursae, including treatment of effusions, aspiration of infected fluid, or injection of corticosteroids or anesthetics.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.77 |
| Total RVU | 0.77 |
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 0.77, this code ranks in the 3rd percentile among Surgery codes — 10.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20610?
CPT 20610 (drainage/injection joint/bursa without ultrasound) is a Surgery code. Drainage or injection into a joint or bursa without ultrasound guidance.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20610?
The work RVU for CPT 20610 is 0.77. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Rheumatology.
When is CPT 20610 used?
Used for therapeutic or diagnostic drainage of synovial fluid from joints or bursae, including treatment of effusions, aspiration of infected fluid, or injection of corticosteroids or anesthetics.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.