Wiki Shoulder Scope - opinions please

[ReignRuby]

Op note below. I have coded as follows but am not sure.

23412
29822 or 29823

Physician coded as 23412, 29826 and 29999.


I did not code 29826 since no acromioplasty was done.

Thank you.

 

[Orthocoderpgu]

You are correct. In order to report 29826 you have to perform at least two procedures: subacromial decompression & acromioplasty. Releasing the CA ligament is just along for the ride. The question is, do you have a diagnosis for the subacromial decompression? Such as impingement or inflamed bursa? If so, you can add this to the glenohumeral debridement and bill out 29823 if the insurance allows. If there is no diagnosis for the SAD, then it was just performed for visualization and cannot be counted towards debridement. Make sure you are familiar with the 2017 CMS NCCI Surgical Policy Manual. This goes over billing 29822 vs 29823 and that 29823 must be paired with 29824, 29827 or 29828.