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Orthopedic Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Thermal Capsulorrhaphy With SLAPLesion

Published on Fri Nov 01, 2002

Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Question: One of our surgeons performs thermal capsulorrhaphy and SLAP lesions at the same operative session. CPT recommends using 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) for thermal capsulorrhaphy. Should we use both 29806 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; capsulorrhaphy) and 29999 for these services? Michigan Subscriber       Answer: You should report the arthroscopic SLAP repair using 29807 (Arthroscopy ... repair of slap lesion) and the thermal capsulorrhaphy with 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy).

There is no need to report 29806 (Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; capsulorrhaphy). Be aware, however, that many carriers consider thermal capsulor-rhaphy experimental and will not cover it, so obtaining written preoperative approval is a must.
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