Orthopedic Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Apply 29807 to SLAP Lesions Only
Published on Tue Jul 01, 2003
Question: Our surgeons operative report states, Repair of posterior labral tear. Should I report 29806, 29807 or an unlisted-procedure code for this service? We have never performed it before and arent sure what to use.
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: You should only report 29807 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; repair of slap lesion) if the orthopedist repairs a superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion. Because your surgeon repaired a posterior labral tear instead, you should report 29806 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; capsulorrhaphy). Remember that 29806 includes debridement or synovectomy, so you should not separately report these services.
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