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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Coding Tips:

Update Your 29826 Use To Reflect Add-On Status in 2012

Published on Thu Mar 22, 2012

Turn to codes for arthroscopic debridement when reporting only arthroscopic subacromial decompression.CPT® 2012 brought changes to the way you'll report arthroscopic acromioplasties, so you'll want to ensure you're up to speed on applying code +29826 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with coracoacromial ligament [i.e. arch] release, when performed [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]), which is no longer a standalone code. See the advice that follows for more on how to accurately report + 29826 in addition to codes for other primary procedures this year. Document Additional Primary Procedures The CPT® code +29826 changed from a standalone to an add-on code in 2012, meaning that you can now report this only when your surgeon does another scope procedure as the primary procedure.Coders have been reporting code 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) when only an arthroscopic subacromial decompression of the shoulder was performed. "Originally [...]
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