Wiki SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY 29822-29823

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I need help with a coding scenario. I have a patient that had a debridement of the glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff tear? Would this be considered an extensive 29823?
Where can I find specific information on this topic? Thanks in advance!
 
There a good reference article here on the AAPC site:

Note in the second paragraph that it states "most payers follow the April 2006 AAOS Bulletin guidelines, which state extensive debridement includes debridement of multiple soft structures, multiple hard structures, or a combination of both" which would suggest that debridement of the glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff would support coding extensive debridement since these are two structures.

But note the guidance further along "Do not separately report the debridement if the surgeon also repairs the debrided structures." So extensive debridement would not be supported if in the context of a rotator cuff repair (if done) since the debridement of the cuff would be incidental to the repair of that same structure. Of course it will depend on what exactly is documented in your operative report.
 
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