Orthopedic Coding Alert
Coding for Microfracture
Question: How should I code a microfracture on the medial femoral condyle? The orthopedists also performed a medial meniscectomy and chondral debridement, and I-ve already listed 29881 and 29877 for those procedures. Arizona Subscriber Answer: You are correct to report 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving]) for the medial meniscectomy, but there's a better choice than 29877 (- debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty]) for the chondral debridement that will solve your microfracture challenge. Instead of 29877, you should rely on 29879 (- abrasion arthroplasty [includes chondroplasty where necessary] or multiple drilling or microfracture) because this code represents both the chondral debridement -- or chondroplasty -- and microfracture
Orthopedic Coding Alert
- 6 Easy Steps Distinguish Kyphoplasty From Vertebroplasty -- and Get Your Claims Paid
Crossing spinal regions calls for more than one -primary level- code If you can't tell [...] - Reporting Unlisted Codes Doesn't Have to Be Painful
Follow the experts- guidance to getting these claims reimbursed CPT doesn't always match up with [...] - Crucial Points Help You Understand Unlisted Codes
You may need electronic and paper claims to get the payment you deserve Here are [...] - You Be the Coder:
Coding for Microfracture
Question: How should I code a microfracture on the medial femoral condyle? The orthopedists also [...] - Young Patients Mean Special Challenges -- and Special Pay
1 modifier makes all the difference - if you know when to use it correctly [...] - Reader Questions:
Watch Multiple Scope Rule for 29879 and 29881
Question: My orthopedist performed an arthroscopic medial meniscectomy and chondral pick chondroplasty in the same [...] - Reader Questions:
Check Your Modifiers for Shoulder Scopes
Question: An orthopedist in my practice arthroscopically repaired a rotator cuff on the left shoulder, [...] - Reader Questions:
Same-Specialty Docs Can Consult
Question: Can physicians of the same specialty request or receive a consult from other physicians [...] - Guest Columnist:
Betty Johnson, CPC, CCS-P, CIC, CCP
Minor vs. major makes all the difference Modifiers 25 and 57 are two E/M modifiers [...] - Checklist Eases Modifier 25 Claims
To ease payment for your modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by [...] - Modifier 25/57 Decision Tips
Choosing whether to use modifier 25 or 57 can mean the difference between getting paid [...]
