Orthopedic Coding Alert

Start with 29888, but check global package and add-ons for your most complete claim. With football season in full swing, your orthopedic surgeon will probably treat some weekend warrior injuries -- especially for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. Learn the difference between revision and reconstruction -- and what services you might be able to report separately -- to score your best coding every time. Repair or Reconstruction = 29888 When your physician treats an ACL injury, he has two options: repair the ligament, or reconstruct it. The CPT code for either procedure is 29888 (Arthroscopically aided anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction). "A repair is rarely performed -- a reconstruction is almost always needed," says Shelly Ghrist, CPC, assistant manager of Wolf Creek Medical Associates in Grove City, Penn. "If the injury isn't severe enough for a reconstruction, conservative methods -- such as rest, ice, and elevation -- are typically preferred." Caution: Debridement of torn fibers [...]