20611 drainage/injection joint/bursa with ultrasound
Also known as: ultrasound-guided joint aspiration, US-guided bursa injection
Drainage or injection into a joint or bursa with ultrasound guidance.
In Plain Language
guided fluid removal from joint; ultrasound-assisted injection
Clinical Context
Performed with real-time ultrasound visualization to increase accuracy and safety when accessing small or difficult-to-palpate joints or bursae.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.07 |
| Total RVU | 1.07 |
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 1.07, this code ranks in the 5th percentile among Surgery codes — 7.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20611?
CPT 20611 (drainage/injection joint/bursa with ultrasound) is a Surgery code. Drainage or injection into a joint or bursa with ultrasound guidance.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20611?
The work RVU for CPT 20611 is 1.07. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Sports Medicine.
When is CPT 20611 used?
Performed with real-time ultrasound visualization to increase accuracy and safety when accessing small or difficult-to-palpate joints or bursae.
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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.