Arthrocentesis or aspiration is the removal of fluid from a joint or bursa.  Bursas are saclike structures between skin and bone or between tendons, ligaments, and bone. The bursa are lined by synovial tissue, which produces fluid that lubricates and reduces friction between these structures.

Arthrocentesis or needling of a bursa may be considered medically necessary when ALL of the following criteria are met:

• *Conservative therapy (rest area and avoid activity, cryotherapy, compression dressings, elevation of affected area above heart, other modalities like electrical stimulation/ultrasonography/phonophoresis, NSAIDs, or corticosteroid injections) to control pain and inflammation has failed; and
• Affected area continues with symptoms of severe pain along with swelling and inflammation; and
• Movement of joint remains limited due to pain; and
• The response to therapy must be documented for medical review prior to additional therapy authorizations.

*Conservative therapy is considered a failure of treatment if no improvement or resolution of pain within 6 weeks from the start of therapy.

When 76942 is reported in conjunction with codes 20600, 20604, 20605, 20606, 20610, and 20611 payment will be denied as not medically necessary.

Except for local anesthetics, reimbursement for the cost of the drugs or biologicals used in an arthrocentesis joint injection is allowed, in addition to the procedure.  If a separate charge for a local anesthetic is reported, it should be denied as not covered. 

Arthrocentesis reported for other areas of the spine; should be processed as injection of trigger points. When a doctor reports his services as arthrocentesis by fluoroscopy, the service should be processed under the appropriate procedure code for arthrocentesis of the type joint involved. Itemized charges should be combined and processed under the appropriate arthrocentesis code. Modifier 59 may be reported with a non-E/M service, to identify it as distinct or independent from other non-E/M services performed on the same day. When modifier 59 is reported, the patient’s records must support its use in accordance with CPT guidelines.