coders_rock!
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Can someone please help me with the CPT code for an arthroscopic long head biceps tenotomy? At first I used 29999, but the insurance company denied it for not billing the right CPT code. Please help?
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Wiki Arthroscopic long head biceps tenotomy
- Thread starter coders_rock!
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nyyankees
True Blue
you are correct w/ CPT 29999. But now, if there is a debridement of biceps after relese you can capture 29822 debridement
CElderkin
New
Karen Zupko & Associates Coding Coach addresses this topic with the February 7th Q&A.
here's the link and here's the related question and answer.
http://www.karenzupko.com/resources/codingcoach/cc_ortho.html
The Orthopaedic Coding Coach 2013 Archives
Biceps Tenotomy and SAD
February 7, 2013
Question:
Our surgeon performed and documented an arthroscopic biceps tenotomy and arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy. I read in a journal recently that the tenotomy should be reported with an unlisted code and I do not think that is right. We value the advice we receive from Mary LeGrand and Margi Maley and was wondering if they might be able to help us.
Answer:
Thanks for your comments and support of KZA! You are correct to question the advice you read as it is incorrect. An arthroscopic biceps tenotomy is not reported with an unlisted code; it is considered part of a debridement service reported with CPT code 29822 or 29823 depending on the extent of work. An arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy is not reported with CPT code 29826 but is again reported as a debridement service. Two debridement codes cannot be reported for the same surgical session, so report either 29823 or 29822 for the service encompassing the tenotomy and the bursectomy based on the surgeon's documentation
here's the link and here's the related question and answer.
http://www.karenzupko.com/resources/codingcoach/cc_ortho.html
The Orthopaedic Coding Coach 2013 Archives
Biceps Tenotomy and SAD
February 7, 2013
Question:
Our surgeon performed and documented an arthroscopic biceps tenotomy and arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy. I read in a journal recently that the tenotomy should be reported with an unlisted code and I do not think that is right. We value the advice we receive from Mary LeGrand and Margi Maley and was wondering if they might be able to help us.
Answer:
Thanks for your comments and support of KZA! You are correct to question the advice you read as it is incorrect. An arthroscopic biceps tenotomy is not reported with an unlisted code; it is considered part of a debridement service reported with CPT code 29822 or 29823 depending on the extent of work. An arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy is not reported with CPT code 29826 but is again reported as a debridement service. Two debridement codes cannot be reported for the same surgical session, so report either 29823 or 29822 for the service encompassing the tenotomy and the bursectomy based on the surgeon's documentation
calysta3009@gmail.com
Guest
Biceps Tenomy
We code 29999 and drop the claim to paper with the op report attached and they get paid. We also enter the description of the unlisted code in field 19 on the HCFA 1500.
We code 29999 and drop the claim to paper with the op report attached and they get paid. We also enter the description of the unlisted code in field 19 on the HCFA 1500.