Orthopedic Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Coding Arthroscopies That Change Scope

Question: Our orthopedist began performing a diagnostic arthroscopy of the patient’s right metacarpophalangeal joint. During the arthroscopy, the orthopedist switched from diagnostic to surgical, and also debrided the joint. I was going to report 29900 with modifier 52 or 53, and 29901. What do you think? Alabama Subscriber Answer: This is a one-code claim, unless your orthopedist performed some other [...]
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