Musculoskeletal System/Surgery (February 2002)

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...

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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

  1. Coding Consultation

    Introduces the coding question and the musculoskeletal surgery context for the consultation.

  2. 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

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Orthopedic surgery billing staff
  • Clinicians preparing operative documentation
  • Revenue cycle and compliance staff

Codes Discussed


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