Orthopedic Coding Alert

Look for other open, arthroscopic procedures and confirm with payers.Having a little extra practice applying CPT® code +29826 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with coracoacromial ligament [i.e. arch] release, when performed [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]), when your surgeon does another scope as the primary procedure will serve you well this year. Take a look at some common scenarios to help you ramp up your +29826 accuracy. (See Orthopedic Coding Alert, Vol. 15 No. 4 for more advice on reporting +29826 in 2012).3 Possibilities Narrow Your ChoicesWhen reading an operative note, you need to focus on the work your surgeon did to understand which procedure was done in which compartment. Either your surgeon does an arthroscopic acromioplasty alone, or does one with an open procedure, or with another arthroscopic procedure on the shoulder: Example 1: You may read that your surgeon [...]