Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Show Your MD 4 Arthroscopic Tibial Repair Code Options

Question: Our surgeon repaired a proximal tibial fracture using the scope. Is there a procedure code for this service? If not, which code do you recommend as a comparison code if we’ll be reporting the unlisted?


Colorado Subscriber

Answer: Depending on the specific type of fracture the surgeon repaired, you should select one of the following codes for the service:

  • 29850 — Arthroscopically aided treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee, with or without manipulation; without internal or external fixation (includes arthroscopy)
  • 29851 — ... with internal or external fixation (includes arthroscopy)
  • 29855 — Arthroscopically aided treatment of tibial fracture, proximal (plateau); unicondylar, with or without internal or external fixation (includes arthroscopy)
  • 29856 — ... bicondylar, with or without internal or external fixation (includes arthroscopy). 

Show these four codes to your surgeon and ask her which of these best represents the service she provided.

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