Orthopedic Coding Alert
S Codes for Thermal Shrinkage
Oregon Subscriber
Answer: Before submitting any HCPCS Level II code to a non-Medicare carrier, you must determine whether they accept these codes. Many will not process claims with alpha-numeric codes, and some will only accept a limited number of them. Unfortunately, the Level II code you mention for the thermal capsulorrhaphy was declared "no longer valid for Medicare purposes" on Jan. 1, 2000, and is no longer accepted by Medicare. Your only recourse is to report the unlisted-procedure code 29909 (unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) with the required supporting documentation of an operative report and KISS letter. Because some carriers deem this procedure "experimental," you may also have to submit peer-reviewed articles attesting to the efficacy of this surgery. You should negotiate reimbursement for these procedures in advance rather than after the fact.
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- Ease the Pain of Coding for Treatment of Osteoarthritic Patient
Many orthopedic practices see arthritic patients at various stages of their treatment. Depending on the [...] - Multitrauma Patient:
RVUs and Modifiers Are Key to Securing Higher Payment
Orthopedists on call to their local emergency department (ED) are often required to treat serious [...] - You Be the Coder:
Coding an In-Office Procedure
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Reader Question:
Interval Closure
Question: How should I code for an arthroscopic rotator interval closure?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: As with [...] - Reader Question:
S Codes for Thermal Shrinkage
Question: Why can I not use HCPCS code S2300 (arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with thermally induced [...] - Reader Question:
Medial Epicondyle Injection
Question: What is the appropriate CPT code for a medial epicondyle injection with a diagnosis [...] - Reader Question:
Billing for Residents
Question: One of our orthopedists was on call at the ED, and the ED physician [...] - Reader Question:
ED Follow-Up
Question: I was on call at the ED and treated a patient there, then I [...]
