What does the CPT code 20610 represent?

The CPT code 20610 represents arthrocentesis, which includes aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa. This procedure is commonly performed to relieve joint swelling, remove excess fluid, or administer medications such as corticosteroids directly into the joint space for therapeutic purposes.

Arthrocentesis is a crucial procedure in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings, allowing for the analysis of synovial fluid when diagnosing conditions such as arthritis or infections. Additionally, it provides relief from discomfort associated with joint effusion.

In the context of the other options, while excision of a lesion, complex wound repair, and simple fracture treatment are all important procedures in surgery, they are represented by different CPT codes that do not pertain to the specific actions defined in code 20610. This highlights the importance of understanding the precise definitions and applications of each CPT code in coding practices.