Search Search
Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Biceps Tenotomy May Require Unlisted

Published on Sun May 28, 2006

Question: Our physician performed a rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression, limited debridement and biceps tenotomy through the arthroscope on a patient's shoulder. Which code should we report for the arthroscopic biceps tenotomy? 

New York Subscriber Answer: CPT does not yet include a code that describes arthroscopic biceps tenotomy. Most coders report the unlisted-procedure code 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) for this procedure and use 23440 (Resection or transplantation of long tendon of biceps) as a comparison code.
 
Tip: If the surgeon performs the tenotomy as a mini-open procedure, you can report 23440 instead of the unlisted-procedure code.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.