Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Turn to Unlisted for Thermal Shrinkage of Ligament
Published on Mon Jan 21, 2013
Question: How do we report a left wrist arthroscopy and thermal shrinkage of scapholunate ligament for a partial tear?
Alaska Subscriber
Answer: There isn’t a specific code for reporting a left wrist arthroscopy and thermal shrinkage of scapholunate ligament for a partial tear. You may report code 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy). Do not forget to check your payer coverage policies on this procedure as many do not cover thermal shrinkage deeming it experimental or investigational.
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