Reader Question:
Differentiate 23331 From 23107
Published on Sun Nov 11, 2007
Question: Our patient had a total shoulder replacement, and the glenoid component has now deteriorated to the point where the cement cracked and is all over the glenohumeral joint. Our surgeon removed the loose bodies and the rest of the glenoid component. Should we report 23107 or 23331 for this service? South Dakota Subscriber
Answer: Because the glenoid component of the total shoulder failed and the physician had to remove it, you should report 23331 (Removal of foreign body, shoulder; deep [e.g., Neer hemiarthroplasty removal]). The physician's work picking out the cement fragments would be included in 23331. Therefore, 23107 (Arthrotomy, glenohumeral joint, with joint exploration, with or without removal of loose or foreign body) won't meet your coding needs.
