AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 5 (May)
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery with Acromioplasty (May 2001)
May 2001 pages 8-9 Case by Case Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery with Acromioplasty The following operative report describes an arthroscopic shoulder procedure involving partial acromioplasty, limited debridement, arch decompression, excision of bursal tissue, and coracoacromial release. The appropriate CPT choices will be indicated, along with discussion on the selected CPT codes. Please note: As each case is unique, the coding information presented in this case study pertains to this case only. Your specific case may vary. Remember to review all available information carefully before choosing the appropriate CPT code(s) for your specific case. The Case Preoperative diagnosis: Left shoulder impingement...
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Article Overview
This article reviews a shoulder arthroscopy operative report and explains the CPT coding considerations tied to the procedure components documented in the case. It is useful for coders, auditors, and orthopedic practice staff who need to understand how arthroscopic shoulder cases are grouped conceptually in CPT, including discussion of the surgical and diagnostic portions of the encounter, bundled components, and use of a multiple-procedure modifier in the presented example. The article is framed as a case-by-case coding discussion and includes a glossary of shoulder anatomy terms.
Why This Topic Matters
Arthroscopic shoulder procedures often include multiple interconnected steps, and coding accuracy depends on recognizing how the case is presented in CPT. This article helps readers understand the scope of the operative note and the general structure of the coding discussion for a common orthopedic arthroscopy scenario.
Article Sections
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May 2001 pages 8-9
Publication and page information for the case study article.
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Case by Case
Introduces the format of the case-based coding discussion and sets up the operative report review.
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The Case
Presents the clinical history, operative findings, and procedure narrative for the shoulder arthroscopy case.
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Summary and Discussion
Summarizes the coding discussion for the arthroscopic shoulder case and addresses how the procedures are grouped conceptually in CPT.
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Glossary of Terms
Defines shoulder anatomy and related terminology used in the case discussion.
What You Will Learn
- How a shoulder arthroscopy operative report is reviewed for CPT coding context
- What parts of an arthroscopic shoulder case are discussed as separate from the overall surgical procedure
- How the article frames bundled and multiple-procedure concepts in a case study format
- What shoulder anatomy terms are included in the accompanying glossary
Who Should Read This
- CPT coders
- orthopedic surgery coders
- coding auditors
- physician documentation staff
- orthopedic practice administrators
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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