20612 Aspirate/injection ganglion cyst
Also known as: ganglion cyst aspiration, ganglion injection
Aspiration or injection of a ganglion cyst.
In Plain Language
fluid removal from ganglion cyst; injection to shrink ganglion cyst
Clinical Context
Used to aspirate fluid from or inject therapeutic agents into ganglion cysts, which are benign fluid-filled tumors typically found on wrists or hands.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.68 |
| Total RVU | 0.68 |
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 0.68, this code ranks in the 2nd percentile among Surgery codes — 11.8x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20612?
CPT 20612 (Aspirate/injection ganglion cyst) is a Surgery code. Aspiration or injection of a ganglion cyst.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20612?
The work RVU for CPT 20612 is 0.68. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Sports Medicine.
When is CPT 20612 used?
Used to aspirate fluid from or inject therapeutic agents into ganglion cysts, which are benign fluid-filled tumors typically found on wrists or hands.
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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.