tci Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2017 Issue 9

Reader Question: 'Limited' vs. 'Extensive' Debridement for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Question: A shoulder surgeon in my HOPD performed a labral debridement, articular shaving and chondroplasty, with a diagnostic arthroscopy. Should I use 29823 or 29822? Idaho Subscriber Answer: To code correctly, check the op note for the qualifying terms "limited" or "extensive" in the documentation. One can perform an extensive debridement of one structure (the entire labral circumference) or a limited debridement of multiple structures. The only person in a position to qualify the procedure's extent is the surgeon, and if he or she fails to do so, you should query the physician to code correctly. The limited code...

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