Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Identify Additional Procedures When Reporting Arthroscopies

Published on Fri Oct 14, 2011

Question: The surgeon did a left knee arthroscopy with lateral release and open medial plication for lateral patellar instability. Open tibial tubercle osteotomy with medialization was also done. What are the correct CPT® code(s) and modifier(s) that can be used to report the procedure?Alabama SubscriberAnswer: In this situation, you report codes 27422 (Reconstruction of dislocating patella; with extensor realignment and/or muscle advancement or release [eg, Campbell, Goldwaite type procedure]) for the medial plication and 27418 (Anterior tibial tubercleplasty [eg, Maquet type procedure]) for the tibial tubercle osteotomy. Lateral release, regardless of surgical approach, is inclusive to code 27422.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All