I have been reading through different threads and articles trying to determine the most appropriate way to code for debridement of synovitis and if it counts towards CPT 29823/29822 when completed along with other arthroscopic shoulder procedures.
We have a physician that often documents debridement of synovitis was performed. I have read an article from nimble that stats “debridement of synovitis is still considered a synovectomy and is therefore not counted” and maybe I am misinterpreting the structures in the operative reports, as I have not been including the debridement of the Synovitis towards 29823/29822. When an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is completed and the operative report states “synovitis in the rotator interval and the superior capsule” would you include this as a structure towards CPT 29823/29822, my thoughts are no, however I am now second guessing myself. I am confused as CPT 29820 synovectomy, hits an NCCI with 29827, if synovitis has its own CPT code how can it be counted as a structure in CPT 29823/29822?
Some examples are “There was a full-thickness tear of the entirety of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus as well as synovitis of the rotator interval. Extensive debridement including a biceps tenotomy, the biceps was cut and tenotomized. The stump was debrided. The labrum was debrided, and the synovitis was then debrided as well.”
The biceps tendon had some tenosynovitis and no tears. There was type 1 SLAP tearing along the anterior labrum as well. The articular cartilage was normal, synovitis in the rotator interval and the superior capsule, and an undersurface tear of the rotator cuff, which was full-thickness through the supraspinatus. Debridement extensive, SLAP, labrum, undersurface of the rotator cuff, synovitis was all then performed.
https://nimblercm.com/shoulder-debr...ia is considered,and is therefore not counted
I apprecitate any insight or direction you are able to offer. Thank you.
We have a physician that often documents debridement of synovitis was performed. I have read an article from nimble that stats “debridement of synovitis is still considered a synovectomy and is therefore not counted” and maybe I am misinterpreting the structures in the operative reports, as I have not been including the debridement of the Synovitis towards 29823/29822. When an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is completed and the operative report states “synovitis in the rotator interval and the superior capsule” would you include this as a structure towards CPT 29823/29822, my thoughts are no, however I am now second guessing myself. I am confused as CPT 29820 synovectomy, hits an NCCI with 29827, if synovitis has its own CPT code how can it be counted as a structure in CPT 29823/29822?
Some examples are “There was a full-thickness tear of the entirety of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus as well as synovitis of the rotator interval. Extensive debridement including a biceps tenotomy, the biceps was cut and tenotomized. The stump was debrided. The labrum was debrided, and the synovitis was then debrided as well.”
The biceps tendon had some tenosynovitis and no tears. There was type 1 SLAP tearing along the anterior labrum as well. The articular cartilage was normal, synovitis in the rotator interval and the superior capsule, and an undersurface tear of the rotator cuff, which was full-thickness through the supraspinatus. Debridement extensive, SLAP, labrum, undersurface of the rotator cuff, synovitis was all then performed.
https://nimblercm.com/shoulder-debr...ia is considered,and is therefore not counted
I apprecitate any insight or direction you are able to offer. Thank you.