Question: The physician performed an arthroscopic complete shoulder synovectomy, and then an arthroscopic shoulder capsulorrhaphy. How should I report these procedures?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: How you should code these procedures depends on the timing of the synovectomy or the reason the physician performed it. Generally, 29821 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; synovectomy, complete) is a component of 29806 (…capsulorrhaphy).
If the physician performs the synovectomy for visual purposes, you shouldn’t bill the synovectomy separately. But if the patient had synovitis (as an example for breaking out with a different diagnosis), you can unbundle the two codes and append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) on 29821. Ultimately, your best bet is to check the operative report or ask the physician if he agrees with your reasoning.
