AMA CPT® Assistant - 2005 Issue 10 (October)
Surgery: Musculoskeletal System (October 2005)
October 2005 page 23 Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers Musculoskeletal System, 23420 (Q&A) Question What is the intent of CPT code 23420 ? AMA Comment CPT code 23420 , Reconstruction of complete shoulder (rotator) cuff avulsion, chronic (includes acromioplasty) , is intended to identify an old tear. This type of extreme tear usually requires rearrangement of the normal anatomy and sometimes grafting with either biological or nonbiological material for repair. Surgery: Musculoskeletal System (October 2005). CPT® Assistant. 2005; October 2005 page 23 ...
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Article Overview
This October 2005 CPT Assistant article presents a musculoskeletal surgery question and AMA commentary centered on a shoulder-related CPT code. It is useful for coders and billing staff seeking official context on the article’s coding topic and scope within surgery guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Articles like this help coders understand how CPT Assistant discusses specific musculoskeletal procedures and the broader intent behind a surgical code in an official AMA Q&A format.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s musculoskeletal surgery topic focus
- How CPT Assistant frames a question-and-answer coding consultation
- The general clinical context discussed for a shoulder reconstruction code
- The type of AMA commentary provided in the article
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Revenue cycle staff
- Orthopedic practice staff
- Physician documentation staff
Codes Discussed
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