AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2012 Issue 3; Ask the Editor

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression

A patient with left shoulder impingement symptoms dating back to a motorcycle accident was seen today to undergo a diagnostic left shoulder arthroscopy with arthroscopic subacromial decompression and debridement. According to the coding rationale for CPT code 29826, Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with coracoacromial ligament (ie arch) release, when performed, this code cannot be reported alone. CPT coding guidelines specifically state that the surgical endoscopy/arthroscopy always includes a diagnostic endoscopy/arthroscopy. How would the arthroscopic subacromial decompression with a diagnostic arthroscopy be appropriately reported?  ...

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