Orthopedic Coding Alert

Process and records influence your claimsWhen your orthopedic surgeon treats a chronically unstable shoulder, you'll need to follow the route taken for capsular repair and note the procedures done to correct the instability for this common condition. Read on for advice on how to more accurately report your shoulder instability claims.Review Shoulder Joint AnatomyA refresher in shoulder (glenohumeral) joint anatomy will ease your coding for dislocation corrective procedures. The anatomy and range of motion in the glenohumeral joint is maintained by the geometric conformity of the articular surfaces, the deepening of the glenoid fossa due to the labrum which forms a rim at its margins, and the action of the muscular forces which compress the humeral head into the glenoid fossa. A compromise in any of these forces may result in an unstable shoulder that dislocates once or many times. The anterior inferior part of the labrum is most likely [...]