Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our surgeon's op note reads as follows:

"Camera was inserted. Examination of the glenohumeral joint did not reveal any pathology. The articular cartilage, labrum, biceps, and undersurface of all cuff tendons were normal: no evidence of any degenerative changes or tears. The camera was then passed up into the subacromial space. A lateral portal was established and a motorized shaver and arthrocare wand were used to perform a subacromial bursectomy and expose the perimeter of the acromion. She did have a significant anterior acromial hook, so a bur was used to perform a partial acromioplasty and the CA ligament was released. Inspection of the bursal surface of the cuff did not reveal any evidence of tear. It was not only visualized but probed and it was normal. Instruments removed..."

How can we report this?

Alaska Subscriber

Answer: You can no longer report 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]) as the standalone code. You report 29822 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, limited) or 29823 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, extensive) depending upon the extent of the debridement.