Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Arthroscopy Coding

Question: The operative report lists chondroplasty of the humeral head chondral fracture and removal of loose bodies from the glenohumeral joint, with an arthroscopic acromioplasty. How should I code for the chondroplasty?

California Subscriber
Answer: To describe the chondroplasty, use 29822 (arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, limited). This should be appended with modifier -51 (multiple procedures) as it is billed in addition to 29826 (arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with or without coracoacromial release) for the acromioplasty. Code 29819 (arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body) is bundled into both 29826 and 29823 and is not billable. The diagnostic code linked to 29822 is 733.92 (chondromalacia). The most likely diagnostic code to link with 29826 is from the 719.xx (other and unspecified disorders of joint) series.
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