Reimbursement
$54.78
Threshold
N/A
2026 Status
Active
What is CPT Code 20550?
CPT 20550 is defined as: The injection of a therapeutic agent (typically a corticosteroid and/or local anesthetic) into a single tendon sheath, ligament, or aponeurosis (such as the plantar fascia). This procedure is performed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions like tenosynovitis, trigger finger, or plantar fasciitis. It does not include the use of imaging guidance, which must be billed separately or using a different code if bundled.
This code is primarily used for Specialist services. It falls under the category of Surgery / Musculoskeletal System and is valid for the 2026 calendar year according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.
2026 RVU Components
Relative Value Units (Non-Facility)
Work RVU
0.73
Physician Effort
PE (Non-Fac)
0.82
Practice Expense
Malpractice
0.09
Risk Factor
Total RVU
1.64
Note: [(Work RVU * Work GPCI) + (PE RVU * PE GPCI) + (MP RVU * MP GPCI)] * Conversion Factor
2026 CMS Policy Intelligence
efficiency adjustment
Subject to -2.5% Efficiency Adjustment. CMS assumes that modern techniques and increased procedural frequency have reduced the intraservice effort for common injections.
global period impact
The '0-day' global period means E/M services on the same day are heavily scrutinized; documentation must justify the separate E/M via Modifier 25.
conversion factor
Utilizes the 2026 Non-QP rate of $33.40.
Administrative Framework
Global Period
000 (0 Days)
Place of Service
NCCI Exclusions
Key Modifiers
Operational Requirements
drug billing
The therapeutic agent (e.g., Kenalog, Depo-Medrol) is not included in 20550 and should be billed separately using the appropriate J-code.
documentation site
The specific tendon sheath or ligament being injected must be named in the record.
imaging guidance
If ultrasound guidance is used, see CPT 76942. Note that some codes (like 20611) bundle guidance, but 20550 does not.
multiple injections
CPT 20550 is reported once per single tendon sheath or ligament, regardless of the number of injections into that specific structure.
Compliance Checklist
Audit Defense
No specific audit defense elements defined.
2026 Update
Work RVU reduced by 2.5% efficiency adjustment. Conversion factor is $33.40.
Common Clinical Scenarios
No clinical examples provided.
Target Specialties & Utilization
Typical Clinical Indications (ICD-10)
Frequently Asked Questions
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