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Wiki Coding a elbow surgery

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DBARON

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I have a dr. who did a surgery on a left elbow.
He has the DX : 1. arthroscopic extensive debridement
2. Arthroscopic excision of osteophytes olecranon

he put in the op note, everything above but he also did says: a mild synovectomy was performed.

I am not sure exactly what codes to use. I stated we should use both 29836 and 29838. I had read that these codes can be coded together. Another coder states that only 29838 should be coded.

Just wanted a couple other opinions

Thanks in advance
 
Why would you choose 29836 (Complete Synovectomy) when only a "Mild" synovectomy was performed? Seems that 29835 would be more appropriate. Generally speaking, synovectomy is usually not reported when other more extensive procedures are performed in the same anatomical area.
 
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