2012 CPT Manual Updates for Arthroscopic Shoulder & Knee Surgery

Changes with the 2012 CPT Manual have made an impact on coding for arthroscopic procedures, according to a report in AAOS Now.

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The changes reflect Medicare's 75 percent threshold of services being reported together, according to the report.

For shoulder arthroscopy:
• CPT 29826 has become an add-on to CPT 29806-29825 and 29828
• Modifier 51 shouldn't be used
• Expect 100 percent reimbursement
• CPT 29826 shouldn't be reported with any procedure except those identified as parent codes—it isn't an add-on code

For knee arthroscopy:
• CPT 29880 and 29881 now include work associated with chondroplasty
• Chondroplasty can no longer be reportable on the same day as meniscectomy on the same knee

The information provided should be utilized for educational purposes only. Please consult with your billing and coding expert. Facilities are ultimately responsible for verifying the reporting policies of individual commercial and MAC/FI carriers prior to claim submissions.

Related Articles on Orthopedic Surgery:
Important 2012 CPT Coding Changes to ASC Spine & Pain Management Procedures
AAOS: Coding Guidance for Hand Procedures
Surgery Center Coding Guidance: X-Stop Procedure

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