G329 – Aspiration of bursa or complex joint - each additional
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This service covers the aspiration of an additional bursa or complex joint, to a maximum of 2. For the purpose of G328 and G329, a joint is defined as complex only if it is: a. a joint other than the knee; or b. a knee joint in which the anatomy is distorted by disseminated lupus erythaematosus, dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, Still's disease, ankylosing spondylitis or other seronegative spondyloarthropathies. This code is not eligible for payment when rendered in conjunction with a surgical procedure involving the same site or area. Only one of G370, G371, G328 and G329 is eligible for payment for the same bursa, joint or complex joint. Aspiration and/or injection of the olecranon bursa is only eligible for payment as G370/G371. G328/G329 are not eligible for payment solely for injection of complex joint. G370, G371, G328, G329 are uninsured services for injection of intra-articular viscosupplementation agents.
When to Use
- Use G329 as an add-on code when you perform a therapeutic aspiration on a second complex joint or bursa during the same encounter as the primary procedure (G328).
- Use this code for the aspiration of a non-knee joint, such as a shoulder, hip, or ankle, when the primary joint (G328) has already been addressed.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G329 for a knee joint aspiration without documenting the specific systemic inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) that qualifies it as a complex joint.
- Attempting to bill G329 for an injection-only procedure, as this code is strictly for aspiration and is ineligible for payment if only an injection is performed.
- Billing G329 for olecranon bursa procedures, which must be billed exclusively under G370 or G371.
Billing Tips
- Ensure you bill the primary aspiration as G328 and the second as G329 to reach the maximum of two procedures per day.
- Always confirm the diagnosis in the chart notes, as auditors specifically look for the qualifying inflammatory conditions when G329 is used for knee joint aspirations.
Effective: April 1, 2025
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Procedure
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
All insured services must be documented in appropriate records to establish that: 1. an insured service was provided; 2. the service for which the account is submitted is the service that was rendered; and 3. the service was medically necessary.
Female
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