February 2002 page 11a
Coding Consultation
Musculoskeletal System, Surgery, 23410, 23412, 23420 (Q&A)
Question
When the operative report describes a rotator cuff tear as a "full-thickness" tear or "massive" tear, which repair code should be reported? We are not sure what the difference is between codes 23410, 23412, and 23420.
AMA Comment
Rotator cuff injuries are strains or tears of one or more rotator muscles or tendons, the most common site being the supraspinatous muscle. Acute tears result from trauma, such as falls on an outstretched hand or injuries from football throwing, baseball or softball pitching, racquetball serving...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This February 2002 CPT Assistant consultation addresses a musculoskeletal surgery coding question about rotator cuff repair documentation and code selection concepts. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and clinicians who need to understand how the article frames shoulder repair terminology, operative reporting, and the distinctions discussed for related CPT surgery codes. The article also emphasizes documentation considerations and requests for additional operative detail when the report is not sufficiently specific.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting for shoulder and rotator cuff procedures depends on clear operative documentation and familiarity with the relevant CPT musculoskeletal surgery guidance. This article helps readers understand the topic area covered in the consultation and whether they need the full premium discussion for coding review and documentation support.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation
Introduces the coding question and the musculoskeletal surgery context for the consultation.
AMA Comment
Summarizes the response from the source publication, including general discussion of shoulder repair terminology, documentation emphasis, and related CPT guidance.
What You Will Learn
The topic area addressed by the consultation
How the article frames documentation for shoulder repair reporting
What general kinds of CPT musculoskeletal surgery guidance are discussed
Why additional operative detail may be needed for coding review
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