Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Look At What Was Dissected In Shoulder Arthroscopy

Published on Sun Jan 16, 2011

Question: A 'C arm' fluoroscopy was used to identify an exostosis of the left distal clavicle. A skin incision of 1 to 2 inches was made over the dorsal aspect of the remaining distal clavicle. Dissection was carried down through the acromioclavicular joint. A subfascial exposure of this exostosis was done and the exostosis was removed with a ronguer. The wound was irrigated and closed. How do we code for this procedure?

North Carolina Subscriber

Answer: You report code 23140 (Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of clavicle or scapula) for the removal of the exostosis that your surgeon did. It appears that this procedure was performed open, and not arthroscopically. CPT® directs one to report the appropriate excision of bone cyst or benign tumor code for exostectomy.

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