Orthopedic Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

CPT Includes Arthroscopic Tibial Repair Codes

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 -compare- code if we-ll be reporting the unlisted?


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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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