AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2010 Issue 4; Volume 3 New/Revised Codes
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
Effective October 1, 2010 a new code has been created to uniquely identify reverse total shoulder replacement (81.88). While conventional total shoulder replacement is effective for osteoarthritis, it is not effective for patients with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy or complex fractures. In addition, conventional shoulder replacement is not effective for patients who have previously undergone a conventional total shoulder replacement that has failed. In a conventional total shoulder replacement, the damaged bone and cartilage are taken out and replaced with metal and plastic implants. Generally, three implants are utilized including a ball to replace the...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article provides a coding update focused on reverse total shoulder replacement and related shoulder arthroplasty procedure classifications. It is useful for coders, CDI specialists, and reimbursement professionals who need to track changes to procedure code definitions, inclusion and exclusion notes, and the relationship between new and revised shoulder surgery codes. The discussion is framed around an effective date and the distinction between reverse shoulder replacement and related revision procedures.
Why This Topic Matters
Coding updates of this type affect procedure reporting, record abstraction, and code selection for shoulder surgery cases. Understanding how the shoulder replacement and revision entries were revised helps users keep documentation and coding workflows aligned with the current procedure code structure.
Article Sections
-
Clinical and procedural background
Provides a general overview of the shoulder procedure context and the circumstances that prompted a distinct procedure classification update.
-
ICD-9-CM code revisions and new code entry
Summarizes changes to shoulder procedure code entries, including revisions to an existing code, updates to inclusion or exclusion notes, and the introduction of a new code.
-
Revision procedure cross-reference
Notes the related revision code entry and its connection to shoulder arthroplasty terminology within the procedure classification system.
What You Will Learn
- The general clinical context for reverse shoulder replacement
- Which shoulder procedure code entries were revised or added
- How the article relates reverse shoulder replacement to other shoulder arthroplasty categories
- What kinds of code-system updates are associated with the effective date
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement specialists
- Revenue cycle staff
- Orthopedic surgery coding staff
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com