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CODING & BILLING
Lolita M. Jones, RHIA, CCS
Late-Breaking Changes to Coding Guidelines
Critical updates to ensure coding compliance and optimal revenue.
ere are a few recent changes to CPT coding guidelines that your
H
coders might not know about. To ensure that your facility submits clean claims and optimizes revenue, make your coders
aware of these changes.
Orthopedic surgery
• Arthroscopic meniscal trephination. Assign unlisted code 29999 for
arthroscopic meniscal trephination. This procedure, more commonly
known as microfracture surgery, is performed by drilling multiple
holes in the torn part of the meniscus to promote bleeding, which
enhances the healing process. This procedure is used for stable tears
located on the periphery of the meniscus and joint capsule junction,
where there is good blood supply (AMA, December 2011).
Code: 29999, Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy
Medicare ASC Reimbursement:
None
• Arthroscopic subacromial decompression. When performed without
partial acromioplasty or coracoacromial ligament release, you can't
report it with code 29826. Assign code 29822 if the arthroscopic subacromial decompression involves debridement of soft tissue and bone
removal. Assign code 29823 if there is extensive work done in the
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2012
