Summary & Overview
CPT 27093: Hip Arthrography Contrast Injection, No Anesthesia
CPT code 27093 represents an image-guided injection of contrast into the hip joint to perform hip arthrography, done without anesthesia. Nationally, this code standardizes reporting for a targeted diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate intra-articular hip pathology, labral tears, and prosthetic joint issues when detailed joint visualization is required. Accurate coding affects clinical documentation, imaging workflows, and payer adjudication for diagnostic radiology services.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of how the code is used in clinical practice, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers (listed separately), and the types of benchmarks and policy issues that commonly influence coverage and reimbursement decisions for diagnostic arthrography procedures.
This publication covers clinical context for hip arthrography, coding and billing considerations relevant to radiology service lines, and the kinds of payer policies and utilization review triggers that can affect claim outcomes. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable. The content is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a national-level briefing on CPT code 27093 and its operational implications.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27093 describes injection of contrast material into a hip joint for hip arthrography, an X-ray examination of the hip joint. The procedure is performed without administration of anesthesia to the patient.
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Service type: Image-guided diagnostic injection for arthrography
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Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology suite or hospital radiology department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 54-year-old outpatient presents with progressive groin pain and decreased range of motion after prior hip injury and equivocal radiographs. The orthopedic surgeon requests hip arthrography to evaluate the integrity of the labrum and intra-articular cartilage prior to planning arthroscopic debridement. The radiology team performs 27093 by placing a sterile needle into the hip joint under fluoroscopic guidance, injecting iodinated contrast to distend the joint, and obtaining fluoroscopic images. No anesthesia is administered; topical antiseptic and local skin infiltration may be used per facility policy. Typical workflow: scheduling and insurance authorization, pre-procedure screening and informed consent, procedure room prep, fluoroscopic needle placement and contrast injection, image acquisition, post-procedure observation for complications, and report generation. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology suite or ambulatory surgical center; inpatient performance occurs when ordered for hospitalized patients.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpreting physician's service separate from technical equipment/staff costs |