You Be the Coder:
Weaver-Dunn Procedure
Published on Thu May 01, 2003
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Question: Our orthopedist documented a "Weaver-Dunn procedure." Which code should we assign for this surgical service? Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: Orthopedists perform Weaver-Dunn procedures to repair acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation. During the surgery, the physician uses a coracoacromial ligament to reconstruct two other torn ligaments that often tear during severe AC joint separations. You should report 23550 (Open treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic) for this procedure. If the orthopedist uses tissue other than the coraco-acromial ligament to repair the tear (such as hamstring or cadaveric tendon), you should report 23552 (Open treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic; with fascial graft [includes obtaining graft]) instead of 23550.
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