What is medical code 73010?

Medical code 73010 refers to "Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; small joint or bursa (eg, finger, toe)". This code is used in medical billing and coding to indicate a procedure involving the puncture of a small joint or bursa (a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a tendon and bone) for the purpose of withdrawing fluid (aspiration) and/or injecting substances such as medications or contrast agents. Typically, this procedure is performed on joints of the finger or toe.

Here's a breakdown of the code 73010:

73010: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; small joint or bursa (eg, finger, toe)

a. Arthrocentesis: This term refers to the puncture of a joint using a needle or cannula to access the joint space.

b. Aspiration: During this procedure, fluid is withdrawn from the joint or bursa using a syringe. This can be done for diagnostic purposes, such as analyzing the fluid for signs of infection or inflammation, or to relieve pressure buildup within the joint.

c. Injection: After aspiration, medication or other therapeutic substances may be injected into the joint. This could include corticosteroids for inflammation reduction, hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis treatment, or local anesthetic agents for pain management.

d. Small joint or bursa: This code specifically applies to procedures performed on smaller joints, such as those in the fingers or toes, or to bursal sacs around these joints.

It's important to note that medical coding and billing regulations may vary depending on the jurisdiction or organization, so the information provided here may need to be adapted to specific local requirements. Healthcare providers should also consider consulting relevant sources, such as official coding manuals or medical dictionaries, for comprehensive details regarding medical codes and procedures.