December 2, 2021 Question: Our surgeons occasionally perform subchondroplasty procedures. We are reporting this with an unlisted code and are wondering if this is correct. Answer: Yes, through the remainder of 2021 you will continue to report an unlisted CPT code. The AMA released a new Category III code in July 2021, but it is...
November 11, 2021 Question: We are a pediatric orthopaedic spine practice. Our surgeons are telling us there is a new CPT code for vertebral body tethering. We have combed through the CPT book and are not able to find a code. Are you able to shed some light? Answer: Your surgeons are correct. The AMA...
October 28, 2021 Question: We live in a northern state and frequently have patients who travel to warmer clients during the winter. Are you able to direct me to information on state licensure requirements for Telehealth services? Answer: Yes, you will now find this list on the KZA Telehealth Solution site https://www.karenzupko.com/KZA-telehealth-solution-center-access. Look for the...
October 14, 2021 Question: Our orthopaedic shoulder surgeon treated a patient with two massive rotator cuff tears that were not amenable to repair. Due to patient age, the patient would not withstand a reconstructive procedure. Our surgeon placed a balloon spacer arthroscopically in the subacromial space. We are wondering how to code for this procedure....
September 30, 2021 Question: Our foot and ankle surgeon performed a reconstruction of the ATFL and the CFL ligament in the left leg for a chronic injury. We are looking at CPT codes and wondering if we should be reporting CPT code 27696 or CPT code 27698. Which code would you recommend? Answer: Thank you...
September 16, 2021 Question: Our pain management physician stated he performed a trigger point injection into 1 muscle. In reviewing the procedure note we find that the documentation supports dry needling was performed. Is CPT code 20552 (Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), 1 or 2 muscle(s)) the correct code? Answer: No, you would not...
September 2, 2021 Question: I’ve been dictating CPT and ICD-10-CM codes in my procedure note so that my coder knows what to bill. Recently, we had an insurance company call us out because the codes we billed were not the same as the codes in the procedure note. Now I am not sure what to...
August 19, 2021 Question: We recently employed a new sports medicine physician and met with her about the type of procedures she will be performing in the office. We are comfortable with most of them but have never heard of the Barbotage Procedure. She describes it as performed under ultrasound guidance and uses a needling...
August 5, 2021 Question: Our sports medicine physician submitted an office note with documentation that he performed an “elbow injection.” We are new to orthopaedic coding and wondering if CPT code 20605 (he did not use ultrasound guidance) is the correct code. Answer: Your question is not just because you’re new to orthopaedics; we hear...
July 22, 2021 Question: Our surgeon attempted to remove deep hardware in the operating room but was unable after multiple attempts. No other surgical procedures were performed. Are we able to bill anything for the attempted surgery? Answer: Yes, you may. Your scenario indicates “deep hardware” indicating CPT code 20680 (Removal of implant; deep (eg,...
