According to Becker's Spine Review, under the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, 20610 is the code for a cortisone injection in the shoulder, since that code covers an injection in a major joint or bursa. CPT code 20610 is defined as “arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection.”
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons points out that because injections are considered surgical procedures, billing claims require an accompanying procedure note and relevant documentation. The AMA developed and maintains the CPT codes, which are widely used and accepted for reporting specific medical procedures to both public and private health insurance programs.
