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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Shoulder Decompression Code Includes Diagnostic Arthroscopy

Published on Sat Oct 09, 2004

Question: How should we report subacromial decompression of the shoulder with diagnostic arthroscopy?

Missouri Subscriber Answer: If your surgeon performs arthroscopic subacromial decompression, you should report 29826 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with or without coracoacromial release).

Because all surgical arthroscopies inherently include diagnostic arthroscopy, you shouldn't report any additional codes. - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, coding and reimbursement manager at UMDNJ-RWJ University Orthopaedic Group in New Brunswick, N.J.
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