Wiki Rotator Cuff repair x's2

[valerief07]

My doctor is questioning if he can bill Rotator cuff repair 29827 x's 2. Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Tears. Also questioning if he should bill this and add a modifier 22. Can someone give me some guidance on this?

 

[dwaldman]

March 2008 CPT Assistant

Questionuring an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (29827), the surgeon made an additional incision or portal site for the purpose of repairing the subscapularis tendon. How should this be reported?

Answer:The additional incision or portal site is not reported separately. The additional portal access for the repair of the subscapularis tendon is considered an inclusive component of code29827, Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with rotator cuff repair.Code 29827 represents the repair of one, two, or three tendons. The number of portals made does not alter the use of code 29827. When another portal is required to perform the subscapularis tendon repair, it is considered an inclusive component of the procedure.