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? 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). - 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.
Missouri Subscriber
Because all surgical arthroscopies inherently include diagnostic arthroscopy, you shouldn't report any additional codes.
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Shoulder Decompression Code Includes Diagnostic Arthroscopy
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