Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: The orthopedist performed four procedures during the same surgery: left elbow subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition; left elbow arthroscopic capitellar microfracture; left elbow arthroscopic spur excision, chondroplasty, and decompression; and left hand complex open Dupuytren contracture release and cyst excision. How should we code everything?Alabama SubscriberAnswer: Report two codes for the elbow procedures:29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) for the microfracture procedure. Compare to 29879 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; abrasion arthroplasty [includes chondroplasty where necessary] or multiple drilling or microfracture) with 17.18 national relative value units (RVUs) for facility or non-facility.29837 (Arthroscopy, elbow, surgical; debridement, limited) or 29838 (... debridement, extensive) for the spur excision and chondroplasty.When performed as a stand-alone procedure, you would report 64718 (Neuroplasty and/or transposition; ulnar nerve at elbow) for the ulnar nerve transposition.Submit 26123 (Fasciectomy, partial palmar with release of single digit including proximal interphalangeal joint, with or without Z-plasty, other local tissue rearrangement, or skin grafting [includes [...]