Orthopedic Coding Alert
Get to Know Orthopedic Surgery's Most Popular Unlisted Procedures
If you can never quite determine which unlisted-procedure code applies to your surgeon's procedure, the following table can help you.
Although the AMA has not yet assigned specific CPT codes to the following procedures, you shouldn't have to forego reimbursement.
If you see the following procedures on your surgeon's operative report, you should report the applicable unlisted-procedure code to your insurer and ask the surgeon to write a letter describing the procedure that she performed, along with a -comparison code- suggestion that the insurer can use to determine a reimbursement amount.
Take a look at this list and keep it close at hand so you-ll always know which unlisted-procedure codes describe these commonly performed procedures. 
Orthopedic Coding Alert
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If your foot surgeon [...] - 3 Steps Lead the Way to Finger Repair Reimbursement
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If your orthopedic surgeon performs finger [...] - You Be the Coder:
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Question: How can I distinguish segmental from nonsegmental instrumentation?
Connecticut Subscriber
Answer: The most accurate way to [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
When ED Refers Patient, Don't Bill Consult
Question: When an emergency department physician tells a patient to follow up with our practice [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Separate Compartments May Mean Extra Pay
Question: Our surgeon performed an arthroscopic Bankart procedure (29806) and a rotator cuff debridement (29822). [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Make Multiple-Injection Pay Easier
Question: Our surgeon performed a lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) and an SI joint injection [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Modifier 57 Use Depends on Time Span
Question: My physician is adding modifier 57 to all E/M visits in which he makes [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Look to 27005 for Illiopsoas Tendon Release
Question: Which code should we report for an iliopsoas tendon release?
Kansas Subscriber
Answer: You should [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Be Selective When It Comes to Debridement
Question: Can our in-office nursing staff report 97597-97598 for selective debridement? I-ve heard a lot [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Mandated Service? Try Modifier 32
Question: A local orthopedic surgeon (not in our practice) recommended an arthroscopic SLAP repair (29807, [...] - CPT 2006 Redux:
Were You Hoping for More Codes in the New Year? Write a Letter
The process may be complex, but your associations can help you make it happen
Every year, [...] - Don't Unravel When You Report Unlisted-Procedure Codes
Critical ways you can combat carrier challenges
CPT coding is not an exact science, and the [...] - Clip and Save:
Get to Know Orthopedic Surgery's Most Popular Unlisted Procedures
If you can never quite determine which unlisted-procedure code [...]
