AMA CPT® Assistant - 2017 Issue 5 (May)
Surgery: Musculoskeletal System (Q&A) (May 2017)
May 2017 page 10 Surgery: Musculoskeletal System Question: Is it appropriate to report codes 29888 for arthroscopically aided anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair and 27427 for open reconstruction (with graft) of the medial collateral ligament of the knee when performed at the same operative session? Answer: Yes, code 27427 , Ligamentous reconstruction (augmentation), knee; extra-articular, is an example of a service not included in the global service package for code 29888 , Arthroscopically aided anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction. Therefore, codes 27427 and 29888 may be reported for the same operative session. Modifier 51, Multiple Procedures, should be appended to...
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Article Overview
This article reviews musculoskeletal surgery coding questions from CPT Assistant and explains how reporting guidance applies to selected orthopedic procedures and operative scenarios. It is intended for coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who need to understand when multiple procedures or conversion-related surgery are addressed in the musculoskeletal system. The article also highlights related modifier usage and documentation considerations discussed in the source.
Why This Topic Matters
Orthopedic operative sessions often involve more than one procedure or a conversion from prior surgery, making accurate CPT reporting dependent on the published guidance reviewed here.
Article Sections
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May 2017 page 10
An introduction to the musculoskeletal surgery Q&A content published in this CPT Assistant issue.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames selected musculoskeletal surgery coding questions
- What general reporting topics are discussed for orthopedic operative sessions
- Which kinds of modifier and documentation subjects are addressed in the Q&A format
- How CPT Assistant presents guidance for selected knee and hip surgery scenarios
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Orthopedic surgery billers
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Physician practices
- Revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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