Orthopedic Coding Alert

Learn what's where to make your coding easier.Because the shoulder is highly mobile, it is particularly susceptible to both acute injuries and chronic conditions. To make your CPT coding as simple as possible, you should try to get a good idea of the shoulder's major anatomical features. Start with the bones: The bones that form the shoulder girdle are the humerus, clavicle, scapula, and sternum. The glenohumeral joint is the largest shoulder joint, and the acromioclavicular joint (AC) and the sternoclavicular joint (SC) are smaller joints of the shoulder.The glenoid labrum is a fibrous tissue rim that improves the stability of the glenohumeral joint and attaches the glenohumeral ligaments and the biceps tendon to the glenoid (or the end of the scapula). The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder.Learn the clock-face analogy: Looking at a cross-section of the gleno-humeral joint, surgeons often describe some of their procedures [...]