READER QUESTIONS:
CPT Includes Arthroscopic Tibial Repair Codes
Published on Thu Aug 24, 2006
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?
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.