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AAPC Exam CPC Topic 2 Question 33 Discussion

Actual exam question for AAPC's CPC exam
Question #: 33
Topic #: 2
[All CPC Questions]

View MR 002395

MR 002395

Operative Report

Pre-operative Diagnosis: Acute rotator cuff tear

Post-operative Diagnosis: Acute rotator cuff tear, synovitis

Procedures:

1) Rotator cuff repair

2) Biceps Tenodesis

3) Claviculectomy

4) Coracoacromial ligament release

Indication: Rotator cuff injury of a 32-year-old male, sustained while playing soccer.

Findings: Complete tear of the right rotator cuff, synovitis, impingement.

Procedure: The patient was prepared for surgery and placed in left lateral decubitus position. Standard posterior arthroscopy portals were made followed by an anterior-superior portal. Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed. Significant synovitis was carefully debrided. There was a full-thickness upper 3rd subscapularis tear, which was repaired. The lesser tuberosity was debrided back to bleeding healthy bone and a Mitek 4.5 mm helix anchor was placed in the lesser tuberosity. Sutures were passed through the subcapulans in a combination of horizontal mattress and simple interrupted fashion and then tied. There was a partial-thickness tearing of the long head of the biceps. The biceps were released and then anchored in the intertubercular groove with a screw. There was a large anterior acromial spur with subacromial impingement. A CA ligament was released and acromioplasty was performed. Attention was then directed to the

supraspinatus tendon tear. The tear was V-shaped and measured approximately 2.5 cm from anterior to posterior. Two Smith & Nephew PEEK anchors were used for the medial row utilizing Healicoil anchors. Side-to-side stitches were placed. One set of suture tape from each of the medial anchors was then placed through a laterally placed Mitek helix PEEK knotless anchor which was fully inserted after tensioning the tapes. A solid repair was obtained. Next there were severe degenerative changes at the AC joint of approximately 8 to 10 mm. The distal clavicle was resected taking care to preserve the superior AC joint capsule. The shoulder was thoroughly lavaged. The instruments were removed and the incisions were closed in routine fashion. Sterile dressing was applied. The patient was transferred to recovery in stable condition.

What CPT coding is reported for this case?

Show Suggested Answer Hide Answer
Suggested Answer: A

29827: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is correctly coded as 29827.

29828: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is an additional procedure and should be coded as 29828 with modifier -51 (Multiple Procedures).

29824: Arthroscopic claviculectomy (partial resection of the distal clavicle) is coded as 29824 with modifier -51.

29826: Arthroscopic subacromial decompression, including coracoacromial ligament release, is coded as 29826.

All these procedures were performed arthroscopically and documented in the operative report, justifying the use of these codes and the use of modifier -51 for multiple procedures.


CPT Professional Edition, AMA

Contribute your Thoughts:

Rodolfo
3 months ago
I'm not sure, but I think option A makes sense based on the details provided in the operative report.
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Aileen
3 months ago
I agree with you. The procedures mentioned in the report match with the codes in option A.
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Man
3 months ago
Wow, this surgeon really went to town on that poor guy's shoulder. At least they'll be able to bill for it all with option C!
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Carolann
3 months ago
Haha, I bet the patient's shoulder is feeling better than a soccer player's after this surgery! But seriously, C is the way to go here.
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Wilburn
2 months ago
I hope the recovery goes smoothly for the patient.
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Aliza
2 months ago
Definitely, the patient must be relieved to have that rotator cuff repaired.
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Paris
2 months ago
That was quite the extensive procedure, but it sounds like it was necessary.
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Herman
3 months ago
I agree, C is the correct choice for the CPT coding.
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Glenn
3 months ago
I agree, C looks like the most comprehensive answer. The claviculectomy, biceps tenodesis, and coracoacromial ligament release all need separate codes.
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Shaunna
3 months ago
Hmm, this seems like a complex case with multiple procedures performed. I'm thinking the correct coding would be option C, since it includes all the relevant CPT codes.
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Alisha
2 months ago
User 2
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Launa
3 months ago
User 1
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Denise
3 months ago
I think the answer is A) 29827, 29828-51, 29824-51, 29826.
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