CPT 20610
Aspiration and/or injection of a major joint or bursa, without ultrasound guidance
Last reviewed August 2026 · DataLily AI data team
What does CPT 20610 mean?
CPT 20610 reports arthrocentesis — aspiration and/or injection — of a major joint or bursa such as the shoulder, hip, or knee, performed without ultrasound guidance. The same procedure with ultrasound guidance is 20611.
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CPT 20610 at a glance
- Code
- 20610
- Code type
- CPT
- Short descriptor
- Drain/inj joint/bursa w/o us
- Category
- ASC Surgical
- ASC eligibility
- ASC-eligible (surgical)
- Typical setting
- Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24); also commonly performed in an office or clinic (POS 11).
- Medicare ASC rate
- $38.94 national · 2026Q2
What is CPT code 20610?
CPT 20610 reports arthrocentesis — aspiration and/or injection — of a major joint or bursa such as the shoulder, hip, or knee, performed without ultrasound guidance. The same procedure with ultrasound guidance is 20611. Its official short descriptor is "Drain/inj joint/bursa w/o us", and in the ASC context it is grouped under ASC Surgical.
Is CPT 20610 eligible in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 20610 can be performed in a certified ambulatory surgery center.
Where is CPT 20610 typically performed?
Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24); also commonly performed in an office or clinic (POS 11).
What is the Medicare ASC payment rate for CPT 20610?
The national Medicare ASC payment rate for CPT 20610 is $38.94 (Medicare ASC Payment System, 2026Q2). This is the national, unadjusted Medicare amount; the amount an individual ambulatory surgery center is paid is adjusted for local wage index and may differ. It reflects Medicare's facility payment only and does not include the surgeon's professional fee.
Which specialties use CPT 20610?
CPT 20610 is most associated with Anesthesiology – Pain Medicine, General Surgery, IM – Rheumatology, Interventional Pain Medicine, among others.
Reference information about ASC eligibility and typical procedure setting. Codes, descriptors, and ASC-eligibility status change over time. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against current guidance and individual payer policy before scheduling or billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Read the DataLily AI data methodology.