CPT code 20605: Joint procedure, intermediate joint, no ultrasound2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Vermont
Report this service for aspiration and/or injection of an intermediate joint or bursa, such as the wrist, elbow, ankle, or acromioclavicular joint, without ultrasound guidance.
In Vermont, Medicare pays $55.47 for 20605 in the office and $30.67 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 20605 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 20605 covers
Orthopedists, rheumatologists, sports medicine clinicians, and other qualified practitioners use this service to withdraw fluid from or inject medication into an intermediate joint or bursa. Common targets include the wrist, elbow, ankle, acromioclavicular joint, and temporomandibular joint. It is performed in settings such as an office, clinic, or hospital outpatient department when the clinical need calls for treatment or fluid sampling at one of these sites without ultrasound guidance.
Select the code based on the treated site and whether aspiration, injection, or both are performed; document the specific joint or bursa, laterality, procedure, and clinical reason. This minor procedure has a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, Medicare pays the highest-valued procedure in full and applies the standard reduction to the others. For bilateral treatment reported with modifier 50, CMS pays 150%. Assistant-at-surgery services are not paid; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Vermont compares for 20605
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 20605 runs from $51.25 in Arkansas to $72.62 in San Benito County, CA. Vermont pays $55.47. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Vermont · this page$55.47
- Los Angeles, CA · California$63.05+$7.58
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$64.37+$8.90
- Miami, FL · Florida$62.53+$7.06
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$60.89+$5.42
- Manhattan, NY · New York$65.34+$9.87
- Alaska · Alaska$69.04+$13.57
Other areas in Vermont first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $51.91 | $29.99 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $51.25 | $29.73 |
| ArizonaArizona | $55.73 | $31.45 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $59.60 | $32.14 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $59.37 | $31.92 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $67.49 | $34.48 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $62.62 | $33.01 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $60.23 | $32.77 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $61.95 | $32.82 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $61.71 | $32.68 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $62.90 | $32.94 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $71.05 | $35.73 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $70.96 | $35.64 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $72.62 | $36.50 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $72.25 | $36.13 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $60.75 | $32.22 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $63.30 | $32.87 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $61.87 | $32.66 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $63.92 | $33.16 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $67.36 | $34.34 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $59.36 | $31.91 |
| ColoradoColorado | $58.87 | $32.21 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $60.61 | $33.63 |
| DelawareDelaware | $56.57 | $31.82 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $59.70 | $34.32 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $57.03 | $33.09 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $58.24 | $32.79 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $54.13 | $31.78 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $60.43 | $31.95 |
| IowaIowa | $52.75 | $29.83 |
| IdahoIdaho | $53.12 | $30.07 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $57.23 | $34.19 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $55.80 | $32.93 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $60.21 | $34.48 |
| IndianaIndiana | $53.38 | $30.16 |
| KansasKansas | $52.68 | $30.03 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $53.29 | $31.02 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $55.57 | $31.99 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $53.28 | $31.11 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $64.01 | $34.10 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $58.64 | $32.26 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $60.47 | $33.59 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $57.51 | $32.15 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $53.51 | $30.47 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $55.84 | $31.01 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $57.81 | $33.64 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $54.64 | $31.77 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $56.17 | $30.40 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $55.08 | $31.56 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $55.57 | $31.72 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $52.58 | $30.98 |
| MississippiMississippi | $51.91 | $30.35 |
| MontanaMontana | $57.11 | $32.06 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $53.98 | $30.61 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $55.53 | $30.48 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $52.96 | $29.84 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $58.11 | $32.03 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $63.87 | $34.81 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $61.24 | $33.88 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $54.96 | $31.99 |
| NevadaNevada | $56.70 | $31.63 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $66.94 | $37.15 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $61.75 | $34.32 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $65.60 | $35.99 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $54.70 | $30.90 |
| OhioOhio | $54.32 | $31.45 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $53.05 | $30.68 |
| Portland, OROregon | $60.38 | $32.55 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $56.19 | $31.24 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $59.36 | $33.28 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $54.31 | $31.32 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $57.43 | $32.11 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $58.31 | $32.44 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $54.25 | $31.11 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $55.34 | $30.29 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $52.93 | $30.16 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $58.73 | $32.23 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $54.01 | $31.21 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $56.41 | $31.59 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $56.80 | $31.85 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $56.52 | $31.82 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $56.61 | $31.73 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $58.07 | $33.19 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $55.20 | $31.43 |
| UtahUtah | $54.90 | $31.35 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $55.78 | $31.15 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $57.43 | $32.11 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $58.48 | $32.10 |
| King County, WAWashington | $65.08 | $34.35 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $53.91 | $29.91 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $54.02 | $32.25 |
| WyomingWyoming | $56.42 | $31.37 |
20605 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$51.25
$69.04
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $69.04 | 1 |
| AL | $51.91 | 1 |
| AR | $51.25 | 1 |
| AZ | $55.73 | 1 |
| CA | $59.36–$72.62 | 29 |
| CO | $58.87 | 1 |
| CT | $60.61 | 1 |
| DC | $64.37 | 1 |
| DE | $56.57 | 1 |
| FL | $57.03–$62.53 | 3 |
| GA | $54.13–$58.24 | 2 |
| GU | $60.43 | 1 |
| HI | $60.43 | 1 |
| IA | $52.75 | 1 |
| ID | $53.12 | 1 |
| IL | $55.80–$60.89 | 4 |
| IN | $53.38 | 1 |
| KS | $52.68 | 1 |
| KY | $53.29 | 1 |
| LA | $53.28–$55.57 | 2 |
| MA | $58.64–$64.01 | 2 |
| MD | $57.51–$64.37 | 3 |
| ME | $53.51–$55.84 | 2 |
| MI | $54.64–$57.81 | 2 |
| MN | $56.17 | 1 |
| MO | $52.58–$55.57 | 3 |
| MS | $51.91 | 1 |
| MT | $57.11 | 1 |
| NC | $53.98 | 1 |
| ND | $55.53 | 1 |
| NE | $52.96 | 1 |
| NH | $58.11 | 1 |
| NJ | $61.24–$63.87 | 2 |
| NM | $54.96 | 1 |
| NV | $56.70 | 1 |
| NY | $54.70–$66.94 | 5 |
| OH | $54.32 | 1 |
| OK | $53.05 | 1 |
| OR | $56.19–$60.38 | 2 |
| PA | $54.31–$59.36 | 2 |
| PR | $57.43 | 1 |
| RI | $58.31 | 1 |
| SC | $54.25 | 1 |
| SD | $55.34 | 1 |
| TN | $52.93 | 1 |
| TX | $54.01–$58.73 | 8 |
| UT | $54.90 | 1 |
| VA | $55.78–$64.37 | 2 |
| VI | $57.43 | 1 |
| VT | $55.47 | 1 |
| WA | $58.48–$65.08 | 2 |
| WI | $53.91 | 1 |
| WV | $54.02 | 1 |
| WY | $56.42 | 1 |
How the 20605 rate is calculated
Each of 20605’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 20605
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.66
0.66 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.97
0.97 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.08
0.08 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.7100
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$57.12
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Vermont inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
1,768
- Code
- 20605
- Physician work
- 0.66
- Practice expense
- 0.97
- Malpractice
- 0.08
GPCI2026.csv
105
- Locality
- Vermont
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.990
- Malpractice
- 0.506
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.66 | × 1.000 | 0.6600 |
| Practice expense | 0.97 | × 0.990 | 0.9603 |
| Malpractice | 0.08 | × 0.506 | 0.0405 |
| Total RVUs | 1.6608 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Vermont$55.47
Office: (0.66 × 1 + 0.97 × 0.99 + 0.08 × 0.506) × $33.4009 = $55.47
Facility: (0.66 × 1 + 0.22 × 0.99 + 0.08 × 0.506) × $33.4009 = $30.67
Payment rules and modifiers for 20605
The CMS indicators that decide how 20605 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 20605
Joint procedure, intermediate joint, no ultrasound
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
20605 without 50 · national office
$57.12
Joint procedure, intermediate joint, no ultrasound
20605-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$85.68
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 20605 has changed in Vermont
20605 · Office / nonfacility
$55.47
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $3.55 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $51.92 to $55.47 (6.8%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$51.92changed to$55.47
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.68 changed to 0.66
- Practice expense RVU 0.89 changed to 0.97
- Practice expense GPCI 0.993 changed to 0.990
- Malpractice GPCI 0.518 changed to 0.506
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$53.61changed to$51.92
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$52.73changed to$53.61
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$54.28changed to$52.73
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 0.87 changed to 0.89
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.09
- Practice expense GPCI 0.997 changed to 0.993
- Malpractice GPCI 0.543 changed to 0.518
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$54.75changed to$54.28
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.85 changed to 0.87
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.10
- Practice expense GPCI 1.001 changed to 0.997
- Malpractice GPCI 0.569 changed to 0.543
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$53.81changed to$54.75
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.81 changed to 0.85
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$52.62changed to$53.81
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 0.72 changed to 0.81
- Practice expense GPCI 1.008 changed to 1.001
- Malpractice GPCI 0.582 changed to 0.569
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$51.10changed to$52.62
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.68 changed to 0.72
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09
- Practice expense GPCI 1.015 changed to 1.008
- Malpractice GPCI 0.595 changed to 0.582
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$51.04changed to$51.10
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$50.52changed to$51.04
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 0.67 changed to 0.68
- Practice expense GPCI 1.010 changed to 1.015
- Malpractice GPCI 0.639 changed to 0.595
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$50.03changed to$50.52
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 0.66 changed to 0.67
- Practice expense GPCI 1.004 changed to 1.010
- Malpractice GPCI 0.682 changed to 0.639
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$49.96changed to$50.03
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Malpractice RVU 0.07 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$49.71changed to$49.96
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$49.56changed to$49.71
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 0.65 changed to 0.66
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.07
- Practice expense GPCI 1.006 changed to 1.004
- Malpractice GPCI 0.618 changed to 0.682
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
No ratechanged to$49.56
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $55.47 | $30.67 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $55.47 | $30.67 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $55.47 | $30.67 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $55.47 | $30.67 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $51.92 | $34.26 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $51.92 | $34.26 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $51.92 | $34.26 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $51.92 | $34.26 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $53.61 | $35.10 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $53.61 | $35.10 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $53.61 | $35.10 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $53.61 | $35.10 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $52.73 | $34.52 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $54.28 | $35.69 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $54.28 | $35.69 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $54.28 | $35.69 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $54.28 | $35.69 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $54.75 | $36.39 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $54.75 | $36.39 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $54.75 | $36.39 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $54.75 | $36.39 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $53.81 | $36.69 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $53.81 | $36.69 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $53.81 | $36.69 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $53.81 | $36.69 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $52.62 | $37.71 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $52.62 | $37.71 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $52.62 | $37.71 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $52.62 | $37.71 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $51.10 | $37.56 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $51.10 | $37.56 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $51.10 | $37.56 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $51.10 | $37.56 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $51.04 | $37.89 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $51.04 | $37.89 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $51.04 | $37.89 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $51.04 | $37.89 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $50.52 | $37.48 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $50.52 | $37.48 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $50.52 | $37.48 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $50.52 | $37.48 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $50.03 | $37.44 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $50.03 | $37.44 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $50.03 | $37.44 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $50.03 | $37.44 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $49.96 | $37.33 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $49.96 | $37.33 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $49.71 | $37.15 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $49.71 | $37.15 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $49.56 | $37.30 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $49.56 | $37.30 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $49.56 | $37.30 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $49.56 | $37.30 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Rate data unavailable | Rate data unavailable | RVU13AR |
Where the Vermont rate applies
Vermont is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 180 cities and communities in Vermont. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Albany
- Alburgh
- Algiers
- Arlington
- Ascutney
- Bakersfield
- Barnet
- Barre
20605 billing questions
How does this differ from codes for small or major joints?
Choose the code level based on the joint or bursa treated. This code is for intermediate sites such as the wrist, elbow, ankle, acromioclavicular joint, or temporomandibular joint.
Can this code be reported when ultrasound guides the procedure?
No. For ultrasound-guided aspiration or injection of an intermediate joint or bursa, use 20606 instead.
What should the procedure note identify?
Document the specific joint or bursa, side, whether fluid was aspirated or medication injected, and the clinical reason for the procedure.
How is bilateral treatment reported under the CMS rule?
Report bilateral treatment with modifier 50; CMS pays 150% for the bilateral procedure.
Does the code include the injected medication?
The code describes the aspiration or injection procedure, not a particular drug. It does not by itself identify or report the medication administered.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
Fee sheets · Coming soon
Put 20605 and the rest of your codes on one sheet
Your codes at your locality, with payer contracts beside Medicare.
Join the waitlist