Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

29826 is no longer a standalone code

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 SubscriberAnswer: You can no longer report 29826 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, [...]
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