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20610 CPT Code: Major Joint Injection Rules (No Ultrasound)

Last Updated: February 28, 2026

CPT 20610 represents the aspiration and/or injection of a major joint or bursa (e.g., shoulder, hip, knee) without ultrasound guidance. It is a staple code in orthopedic and pain management clinics.

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2026 Medicare National Fee (20610): Non-Facility (Office): $84.64 · Facility (Hospital): $43.66
✓ 17 Medicare-Approved ICD-10 Diagnoses on file for 20610:

What is Included in 20610?

This code covers the physician's work to inject or aspirate the joint. However, the cost of the actual drug (e.g., Kenalog, Depo-Medrol) is NOT included in 20610.

You must bill the medication separately using the appropriate HCPCS J-code (e.g., J3301 for Kenalog-10) along with the exact number of units administered.

Laterality Modifiers (RT/LT and 50)

If the physician injects the right knee, append Modifier RT. If they inject both the left and right knees during the same session, append Modifier 50 (Bilateral Procedure) to a single line item, and increase your unit count for the drug.

NCCI Edits and E/M Codes

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Not sure if these codes bundle? Check the latest Medicare NCCI database updates before you bill.

If you bill an E/M visit (e.g., 99213) on the same day as 20610, you must append Modifier 25 to the E/M code. However, the E/M must be for a significantly distinct reason, not just the routine evaluation prior to a scheduled injection.

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