Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers

Practice Exam

Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale

Practice Exam

CPC Practice Exam and Study Guide Package

Practice Exam

What makes a good CPC Practice Exam? Questions and Answers with Full Rationale

CPC Exam Review Video

Laureen shows you her proprietary “Bubbling and Highlighting Technique”

Download your Free copy of my "Medical Coding From Home Ebook" at the top right corner of this page

Practice Exam

2018 CPC Practice Exam Answer Key 150 Questions With Full Rationale (HCPCS, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT Codes) Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers

Practice Exam

Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale

icd-10-cm code for vaginal cuff dehiscence post hysterectomy

What’s the best diagnosis for a vaginal cuff rupture/dehiscence? This is about 3 months after hysterectomy, op report says "vaginal cuff open approximately 1 inch with bowel present at the cuff edge.". I keep finding N99.3-vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy– but that doesn’t sound right to me.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Insight: Superior Capsular Reconstruction & Rotator Cuff Repair

In patients with chronic rotator cuff disease, loss of the glenohumeral force couple, generated by the rotator cuff, results in superior subluxation of the humeral “head” and attenuation of tendon and joint capsule. Tissue degeneration also results in a high risk of failure when using more traditional repair techniques. In this setting, it may be necessary to augment the rotator cuff repair (complete or partial) with reconstruction of the superior joint capsule. In summation, restoration of the superior capsule creates a static restraint to superior migration and serves an internal splint to augment a rotator cuff repair. While the combination of these techniques for management of rotator cuff disease is a new
concept, the individual surgical procedures have established diagnostic and procedural codes. When the surgeon performs both procedures, we recommend 29827 for coding of rotator cuff repair and 29806 for capsular reconstruction.

In a SCR, the surgeon may use autograft or allograft tissue to reconstruct or repair deficient capsular tissues. As such, they should report 29806 when the technique is performed arthroscopically. If the surgeon also performs an arthroscopic repair, the residual rotator cuff tissue (complete or partial) 29827 should also be reported.

The surgeon should be sure to document restoration of the deficient superior capsular tissue and reduction of superior subluxation of the glenohumeral joint. The surgeon should also be sure to document the details of their repair of the rotator cuff tissue.

-In summary the above procedure, for myself, is currently coded as 29827, 29806-59 and when using dermal matrix for soft tissue reinforcement 17999 is applied. There is not a lot of documentation regarding the correct coding of the procedure described above; my question is how is it being coded within the Ortho community, and how are you handling denials for the portion 29806 represents? Am I not correct in splitting the superior capsular reconstruction from the rotator cuff repair, and is the biological implant for soft tissue reinforcement considered inclusive? If so, please direct me to supporting documentation.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Open subscapularis tendon and rotator cuff repair

Not sure if I am coding these procedures correctly

Operation Performed: Arthroscopy, Labral Debridement, Subacromial Decompression with Open Repair of Subscapularis Tendon, Biceps Tenodesis, and rotator cuff repair, right shoulder

Post operative diagnosis: Full Tear of subscapularis tendon with avulsion, dislocation biceps tendon with a 2.5 cm tear rotator cuff, and impingement syndrome

CPT 23412 [Subscapularis and Rotator Cuff]
CPT 23430 [Biceps Tenodesis]
CPT 29823 [Labral Debridement]
CPT 29826 [Subacromial Decompression]

After the scope procedures, a 4-cm incision was made between the anterior and lateral portals, Subscapularis was completely avulsed, Bed of bone prepared and fixed in 2 row technique. Prior to this biceps tenodesis was done with Arthrex biceps tenodesis Tightrope. Subscapularis was reapproximated with 2 Corkscrew anchors, double armed mattress stitches to take it to the soft tissue fibers which were anterior portion of greater tuberosity. Rotator cuff tear was identified. Bed of bone had been prepared. It was freshened. It was fixed in a 2-row technique. The medial row was 2 corkscrew anchors, double-armed mattress stitches and then 1 Swivelock which gave a watertight closure……………………………

Our doctors are doing a lot of subscapularis tendon repairs and not sure about coding this tendon separately since it is the rotator cuff

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Arthroscopic shoulder procedure w/open rotator cuff repair

Help please… I am having a issue with our Physician. He does not think he is getting paid for everything he is doing. I am trying to be vigilant in using the correct codes but these modifier edit’s are confusing me even more now…could be overthinking. Any advice would be so greatly appreciate…. always a learning profession….

Am I understanding this or am I way off…

Want to code this way: 23410-LT 29828-59, 29826-59 and 29823. Not use 29820

29828, 29826 29823 (NCCI edit Presence of an anatomic site modifier on this code(s) 23410 is suppressing NCCI edit. Check documentation to determine whether both code pair(s) can be billed or an additional site modifier added)

29820 (NCCI Edit.. Code 2 of a code pair with 29828 29823 that would be allowed if an approp. NCCI modifier were present.)

DX: Acute massive RTC tear, bicep tenosynovitis, labral fraying with impingement, synovitis of the glenohumeral joint

Surgery: Arthroscopy left shoulder w/extensive debridement of the labrum, partial synovectomy, subacromial decompression with acromioplasty with bicep tenodesis and open acute roatator cuff repair

PROCEDURE:
introduced the trocar into the glenohumeral joint atraumatically and began a diagnostic arthroscopy, which demonstrated a
massive rotator cuff tear, biceps tenosynovitis with a torn labrum at the biceps insertion synovitis through the shoulder.
I performed a biceps tenotomy, which was later repaired. I debrided the stump of the biceps, utilized a shaver to circumferentially debride the labrum, and then utilized a Werewolf RF to perform a partial synovectomy of the glenohumeral joint. Once completed, I then placed the scope into the subacromial space. I started a standard anterior lateral portal and with the use of a Werewolf and shaver,
performed a subacromial decompression and bursectomy. I then identified a large spur on the acromion and performed an acromioplasty with a burr, co-planing it with the AC joint. Once completed, I then made the decision to open the rotator cuff. I then extended my
anterior lateral portal superiorly and slightly inferiorly, dissected down through the subcutaneous tissue with scissor dissection and elevated medial and lateral flaps over the deltoid fascia and then split the deltoid and the raphe between the anterior and lateral delts. I then placed a Link retractor. I identified the bicipital groove by externally rotating. I incised the transverse ligament and the pulled the biceps through the incision. I then placed a 1.8 mm Q-Fix anchor at the top of the bicipital groove. I rasped the entire groove and then whipstitched the biceps tendon with the suture from the Q-Fix. I reduced it within the bicipital groove and then tied knots over the top. I then utilized
the remaining suture to repair the transverse ligament. I then identified the massive rotator cuff tear. I debrided the insertion with a rasp and rongeur and got down to a bed of good bleeding bone and then placed three 5.5 Healicoil suture anchors along the articular margin. Each one had good bite. I then sequentially passed all twelve sutures through the rotator cuff in standard fashion. I then reduced the cuff down to the insertion and tied medial row knots. I then placed one suture from each one of the knots in an anterior lateral 5.5 mm MultiFIX-S Ultra suture anchor for my lateral row, reduced the cuff back down to the insertion very well and then repeated those same steps with the
more posterior lateral 5.5 MultiFIX-S Ultra. Overall, I was extremely happy with the reduction of the rotator cuff and the overall repair. I then thoroughly irrigated out the wound. I documented the repair with a picture and then closed the deltoid fascia with running #0 Vicryl. The subcutaneous layer was then closed with a #2-0 Vicryl and the anterior and lateral portals were closed with #3-0 nylon. I then dressed the lateral wound with Dermabond, Steri-Strips, Xeroform, 4x4s, ABDs, and Medipore tape. The patient was placed in an UltraSling, an Iceman was applied, and he was taken to PACU in stable condition.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Orif greater tuberosity fracture with repair of rotator cuff

H.E.L.P. !!!
Can I bill the rotator cuff repair with the ORIF of the greater tuberosity fracture? I checked the NCCI edits 23630 and 23410 have a 1 indicator. According to the NCCI edits I don’t think I should but maybe some of you have some advice.
Thanks so much!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Laparoscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Xenograft

Hello everyone, please let me know what you think…Does the xenograft bundle into the rotator cuff?
Here are some excerpts from the operative documentation:

PROCEDURE:
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (29827).
Biceps tenodesis (29828).
Use of Xenograft porcine patch for rotator cuff approximation. (29999 ?) (HCPCS ?)

*Biceps Tenodesis
— biceps tendon was released
— biceps tendon was instilled in it and screw over it instilling 2 arms of the biceps into the tunnel with screw placement
— closed this area
*Rotator Cuff Repair
— identified the margins of the tear
— released as much of the tendon off the glenoid labrum and neck of the glenoid as possible
— released and free the anterior edge down to the coracoid
— a large crescentic tear
— placing 2 free stitches
— placed two 2.8 mm anchors
— repaired the native limbs of the rotator cuff
*Xenograft Placement
— created a triangular space
— parachuted the graft in… sewing it to the medial cuff tissue

Thank you in advance!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Shoulder augmentation rotator cuff repair

Hi all,

My doctor said he performed right shoulder augmentation rotator cuff repair with rotation medical allograft patch. This is a new one to me. I read somewhere that a 29827 would include the graft, but I’m not convinced. Or should I bill for a 29999 unlisted arthroscopic procedure and compare it to 29888 or 29889 even though these are augmentation to ligaments. Please help!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

rotator cuff revision help!

INDICATIONS FOR PROCEDURE: The patient is a 55-year-old, white female,

who injured her right shoulder, had a primary right shoulder rotator

cuff repair arthroscopic assisted over 8 months ago back in April 2017,

however, re-injured her shoulder and also had continued to smoke when

she was counseled regarding smoking cessation. Followup MRI revealed a

propagation and retear of her rotator cuff tear. It was explained to

the patient the options and alternatives. Revision surgery was

indicated. The nature of procedure was discussed with the patient, which

would be an open revision rotator cuff repair with an augmentation. The

patient was explained the importance of smoking cessation, however, the

patient continues to smoke, although she shows me that she will quit

smoking. She was explained the risks and potential complications

include, but not limited to death, infection, blood clot, fracture,

neurovascular injury, pain, stiffness, scarring, bleeding, inability to

repair, retear, reaction to the graft, failure of repair, poor outcome,

deltoid insufficiency. The patient signed informed consent.

PROCEDURE IN DETAIL: The patient was taken to the OR. Right shoulder

was identified as the correct operative extremity by the patient. This

site was signed by the surgeon. 2 g of IV Ancef given preoperatively

within 1 hour of incision. The patient received a right interscalene

block in the holding area by Anesthesiology. The patient was placed

supine on the OR table. After adequate general anesthesia obtained, the

patient’s right shoulder was examined under anesthesia, had full range

of motion. No evidence of any instability. The patient was placed in a

semi-beach chair position with a spider attached. All bony prominences

were well padded. Right shoulder was then prepped and draped in a

standard sterile surgical fashion. Time-out performed indicating an

open revision right rotator cuff repair with augmentation as a correct

operative procedure. Using a standard open approach to the rotator cuff

repair starting at the just lateral to the coracoid in line with

Langer’s line extending to the lateral aspect of the acromion at the mid

point between the anterior and posterior acromion, this site was

preinjected with local anesthetic. Incision was then made with the

scalpel. Thick flaps were then raised. The deltoid was then split

starting at the anterior acromion extending distally, not more distally

than 5 cm from the acromion. This was tagged with a #5 Ethibond.

Retractors were then placed. Good hemostasis obtained with the Bovie

cautery. At this time, the rotator cuff tear was identified. There was

no evidence of any biceps tendon. The rotator cuff tear appeared to

involve just the supraspinatus tendon and had a V-shaped tear and it was

nonretracted, which already of the tendon remained attached to the

greater tuberosity. All suture anchors remained in place. The sutures

were then removed, however, the suture anchor was left in place, given

that these were imbedded in bone and not prominent and would be

technically difficult to remove without significant bone loss. The

greater tuberosity was then prepared with a rongeur and preparing a bony

trough from the articular margin of the humeral head to the greater

tuberosity. At this time, a side-to-side repair was performed, given it

was a V-shaped tear and a release was performed to the coracohumeral

ligament. The rotator interval was also intact. At this time, the side-

to-side repair was done to the supraspinatus tendon with #2 FiberWire

sutures in a figure-of-eight fashion from the level of the glenoid

laterally to the greater tuberosity. At this time, a 2.8 Q-Fix was

placed at the articular margin and then these sutures were passed in a

simple fashion to the anterior and posterior leaf and again to the

anterior and posterior leaf. Another 2.8 Q-Fix suture anchor was placed

at the lateral aspect of the footprint of the greater tuberosity and

then these were passed in a horizontal mattress-type fashion, one in the

anterior leaf and then one in the posterior leaf. At this time, a

matrix HD RTI Biologics graft was then trimmed. The rotator cuff tear

appeared to be about 2 cm in width, which made a medium size tear.

Therefore, the sutures left from the anchors were then passed through

the graft in a similar type fashion and then the sutures were then tied.

The Q-Fix anchor in the more lateral aspect of the greater tuberosity.

Sutures were then tied to themselves and then an another Q-Fix anchor

was placed at the lateral aspect of the greater tuberosity distal to the

insertion of the rotator cuff insertion and then these were passed in a

simple fashion in the anterior and posterior aspect of the graft and

then these sutures were then tied to the more lateral footprint 2.8 Q-

Fix anchors. The sutures were then cut. The medial Q-Fix anchor

sutures were also cut. Secure repair was performed. The shoulder was

examined and had no evidence of any impingement. The previous

acromioplasty had already been performed. There was no active bleeding.

A previous bursectomy was also performed. Therefore, only a minimal

open bursectomy needed to be performed. There were minimal adhesions in

the subdeltoid region. These were also released. The axillary nerve

was protected with the suture and then at this time, the incision was

copiously irrigated. The deltoid was then repaired to the acromion with

#2 FiberWire sutures in a figure-of-eight fashion and the deltoid split

was closed with #2 FiberWire sutures in a figure-of-eight fashion. A

secure repair of the deltoid was performed to the acromion. The

incision was then closed with 2-0 Vicryl suture in inverted fashion and

the incision was closed with 3-0 Monocryl sutures in a subcuticular type

fashion. Steri-Strips was then applied and a sterile dressing was

applied. Right upper extremity placed in UltraSling. The patient

tolerated the procedure well and was taken to recovery room in good and

stable condition.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

arthroscopic SAD, mini open rotator cuff repair

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!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum