Orthopedic Coding Alert
Base Code Cheat Sheet
Published on Sat Nov 20, 2010
Find the 'Base' Arthroscopic Procedure Fast If you want to find the "base" code for a given arthroscopic procedure, you can always look to the "ENDO BASE" column of the 2010 National Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Relative Value File -- or you can just check this convenient "cheat sheet." 
Other Articles in this issue of
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Coding Rules:
Coding 29805, 29806, 29807, 29819? Master the 'Multiple Scope' Rule
Adhere to the four strategies that every ortho coder needs to know. If your orthopedist [...] - Hips:
27033, 27125, 27132: We've Got the Answers to Your Top 3 Hip Coding Questions
Find out if you can report an osteotomy with a previous hip surgery conversion to [...] - Base Code Cheat Sheet
Find the 'Base' Arthroscopic Procedure Fast If you want to find the "base" code for [...] - Denials Management:
Overcome MUE Denial Challenges By Busting 4 Common Myths
If you ignore the medically unlikely edits, you're asking for a claim rejection. If you're [...] - You Be the Coder:
Report 27447 Once When First Procedure Fails
Question: Our surgeon performed a total knee replacement, but after the glue hardened, the exam [...] - Reader Questions:
Stick With 23472 for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Question: Which code should we report for a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty? Answer: You should [...] - Reader Questions:
Consider 27630 for Achilles Lesion Excision
Question: Our surgeon documented an excision for thickening of the Achilles tendon, and dictated a [...] - Reader Questions:
780.99, 729.1, 724.2: Get Specifics When Billing Chronic Pain
Question: Which diagnosis code should I report for chronic pain? Answer: The term "chronic pain" [...] - Reader Questions:
Check Restorative Status Before You Bill 29540
Question: Can we report 29540 for strapping with other procedures, such as fracture care, or [...]
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