I am in dire need of some coding guidance. Surgeon did an arthroscopic subacromial decompression (29826), then extended the anterolateral portal to perform a mini open rotator cuff repair (23412). Per NCCI edits, 29826 can have a modifier added if appropriate. Am I correct in thinking it would NOT be appropriate to append a modifier to 29826 (even thougt it is arthroscopic) when reported with 23412, the mini open rotator cuff repair when done on the same shoulder since a rotator cuff repair generally includes a subacromial decompression with acromioplasty?
Can you tell me where I might find references on this?
thanks so much for any insight!