I’ve searched high and low for an answer without luck. I know the shoulder labrum/capsule is split into superior and inferior in order to bill 29807 or 29806. However, it is rarely cut and dry as to which area it is in. I often see tears that cross over and/or are not designated as SLAP tears. SLAP tears have to be in the anterior AND posterior part of the superior labrum, correct? Not just superior anterior or superior posterior? From the references I can find, 29807 can only be used for SLAP tears. Does that automatically mean repair of the labrum for anything but SLAP tears will be coded as 29806 for capsule repair? My providers are not in the habit of stating what type of SLAP it is when there is one, which makes it even more difficult.

For example, I’m looking at a surgery the provider listed as labral repair for an anterior tear that goes from 1:30 to 6:00. Would it actually be a capsule repair because it doesn’t extend to the superior posterior?

Thanks!