Summary & Overview
CPT 0566T: Autologous Adipose-Derived Cellular Implant Injection, Knee
CPT code 0566T covers the ultrasound-guided injection of a previously prepared autologous cellular implant, derived from adipose tissue harvested by liposuction, into a single knee. This code represents a minimally invasive biologic procedure aimed at delivering a patient’s own adipose-derived cellular material to the knee joint, relevant in regenerative and orthobiologic care pathways. Nationally, the code matters because it captures a distinct procedure type used in musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine and can affect coverage, coding workflows, and utilization monitoring.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context for the procedure, common sites of service, and what the code denotes for billing classification. The publication outlines benchmarks and coverage considerations, highlights typical clinical scenarios where the procedure is applied, and summarizes policy implications for payers and provider billing operations. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 pairings, and related codes is noted as not provided. The content is intended for a national audience of clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking concise information on the clinical and billing identity of CPT code 0566T.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0566T describes the injection of a previously prepared autologous cellular implant into a single knee under ultrasound guidance. The implant is derived from adipose tissue that was harvested by liposuction from the same patient.
Service Type: Autologous adipose-derived cellular implant injection
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient procedural setting or ambulatory surgery center, performed at the knee joint under image guidance.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient with chronic, symptomatic osteoarthritis of the right knee refractory to conservative care (physical therapy, oral NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections) presents for autologous adipose-derived cellular implant injection. The patient previously underwent elective mini‑liposuction under local anesthesia to harvest adipose tissue; the specimen was processed off‑site or in a cell‑processing lab to produce a previously prepared autologous cellular implant. On the day of implantation the patient is evaluated in an outpatient ambulatory surgical center or office-based procedure suite. Under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance, the provider injects the prepared implant into the affected knee joint. Typical workflow steps include pre-procedure consent and history, site marking, ultrasound review of joint anatomy, local anesthetic as needed, injection of the implant into the intra-articular or periarticular target under ultrasound visualization, brief post-procedure observation for adverse events, and discharge with activity and follow-up instructions. Common clinical monitoring includes assessment for infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, and immediate pain relief or swelling. Billing reflects a single knee injection of an autologous adipose-derived cellular implant performed under ultrasound guidance using code 0566T.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | When work exceeds typical for 0566T due to complexity or complications |
23 | Unusual anesthesia | When general anesthesia is required for the injection procedure |
51 | Multiple procedures | When this service is reported with other distinct procedures during the same session |
52 | Reduced services | When the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally planned |
53 | Discontinued procedure | When the procedure is started but terminated due to patient condition |
62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons of different specialties share responsibility for the procedure |
66 | Surgical team | When a surgical team performs the procedure per payer policy |
78 | Return to OR for related procedure by same physician | When a related complication requires return to the operating room |
82 | Assistant not available | When an assistant surgeon was planned but unavailable |
QK | Medical direction of two, three, or four assistants | When the billing physician medically directs qualified assistants |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207L00000X | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Providers involved in nonoperative joint injections and regenerative procedures |
207X00000X | Orthopedic Surgery | Common specialty performing knee procedures and cellular implant injections |
2084P0800X | Pain Medicine | Specialists performing ultrasound-guided joint and periarticular injections |
363A00000X | Clinical Laboratory (processing) | Facilities or specialists involved in processing autologous cellular implants |
208100000X | Sports Medicine | Physicians treating degenerative joint disease with biologic therapies |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
M17.11 | Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee | Primary indication for autologous adipose-derived cellular implant into the right knee |
M17.12 | Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee | Indicates primary osteoarthritis of the left knee when left-sided treatment is performed |
M17.0 | Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of knee | Relevant when both knees are affected though 0566T describes a single knee injection |
M17.9 | Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified | Used when laterality or primary/secondary status is not specified |
M25.561 | Pain in right knee | Symptom code commonly accompanying degenerative joint disease prompting intervention |
M25.562 | Pain in left knee | Symptom code for left knee pain when applicable |
M23.9 | Internal derangement of knee, unspecified | May be used when degenerative changes with mechanical symptoms are part of the clinical picture |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
15830 | Removal of implanted material (e.g., fat graft) | May be used if previously placed adipose material requires removal before or after implant processing |
0499T | Cellular processing procedures (example) | Related to the processing steps for preparation of autologous cellular implants when billed as distinct laboratory or proprietary services |
76942 | Ultrasound, guidance for needle placement | Often reported when separate ultrasound guidance is billed in addition to the injection procedure if payer allows |
15777 | Supplementation of autologous adipose tissue (liposuction-related) | Codes describing adipose tissue harvest or grafting that may be part of the overall clinical episode |
99214 | Office or other outpatient visit, established patient | Typical evaluation and management code for pre-procedure or post-procedure visits associated with the injection |