How To Use CPT Code 29824

CPT 29824 is a surgical code for arthroscopic distal claviculectomy, including the distal articular surface (Mumford procedure). This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 29824 procedures.

1. What is CPT 29824?

CPT 29824 is a surgical code used to describe an arthroscopic procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the clavicle, or collarbone, specifically the distal articular surface. This procedure, known as the Mumford procedure, is performed to relieve pain from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, impingement of the tendons, and bone spurs.

2. 29824 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 29824 is: “Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; distal claviculectomy including distal articular surface (Mumford procedure)”.

3. Procedure

The 29824 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes small incisions in the shoulder area.
3. An arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions.
4. Saline solution is instilled to inflate the area around the shoulder joint, improving the field of view.
5. The provider inspects the interior of the joint.
6. The arthroscope is removed and reinserted through another incision.
7. The distal portion of the clavicle, including its articular surface, is excised.
8. The area is irrigated and checked for bleeding.
9. Any instruments are removed, and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 29824 services are those experiencing chronic pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint due to conditions such as arthritis, impingement of the tendons, and bone spurs. The procedure is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and corticosteroid injections, have failed to provide adequate relief.

5. When to use CPT code 29824

It is appropriate to bill the 29824 CPT code when the provider performs an arthroscopic distal claviculectomy, including the distal articular surface (Mumford procedure), to treat chronic shoulder pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, tendon impingement, and bone spurs. The code should be used when the procedure is deemed medically necessary and conservative treatments have been unsuccessful.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29824, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and physical examination findings
• Diagnosis and indication for the procedure
• Conservative treatments attempted and their outcomes
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the steps performed and any complications encountered
• Postoperative care instructions and follow-up plan

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 29824, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Surgical endoscopy and arthroscopy always include a diagnostic endoscopy or arthroscopy, so a diagnostic code should never be used with a surgical code. However, if the provider performs a diagnostic arthroscopy first and discovers a previously unknown condition requiring open repair, both the open repair and the diagnostic arthroscopy can be reported by appending modifier 59 to the diagnostic arthroscopy. For open procedures, use code 23120.

8. Historical information

CPT 29824 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 29824

Five similar codes to CPT 29824 and how they differentiate from CPT 29824 are:

1. CPT 29822: This code is for arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder joint, which involves the removal of damaged tissue and debris.
2. CPT 29823: This code is for extensive arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder joint, which involves a more comprehensive removal of damaged tissue and debris.
3. CPT 29826: This code is for arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff, which involves repairing torn tendons in the shoulder joint.
4. CPT 29827: This code is for arthroscopic repair of the shoulder joint’s labrum, which involves repairing the cartilage that surrounds the joint.
5. CPT 29828: This code is for arthroscopic repair of the shoulder joint’s biceps tendon, which involves repairing the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 29824 procedures:

1. A 45-year-old patient with chronic shoulder pain due to arthritis undergoes an arthroscopic distal claviculectomy (Mumford procedure) after conservative treatments have failed.
2. A 55-year-old patient with a history of shoulder impingement and tendonitis undergoes a Mumford procedure to alleviate pain and improve shoulder function.
3. A 60-year-old patient with a bone spur causing shoulder pain and limited range of motion undergoes a Mumford procedure to remove the spur and alleviate symptoms.
4. A 50-year-old patient with chronic shoulder pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis undergoes a Mumford procedure after unsuccessful conservative treatments.
5. A 40-year-old patient with a history of shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations undergoes a Mumford procedure to address chronic pain and improve joint stability.
6. A 65-year-old patient with a degenerative joint disease in the shoulder undergoes a Mumford procedure to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
7. A 70-year-old patient with chronic shoulder pain due to rheumatoid arthritis undergoes a Mumford procedure after conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
8. A 35-year-old patient with a history of shoulder impingement syndrome undergoes a Mumford procedure to address chronic pain and improve shoulder function.
9. A 47-year-old patient with a bone spur causing shoulder pain and limited range of motion undergoes a Mumford procedure to remove the spur and alleviate symptoms.
10. A 52-year-old patient with chronic shoulder pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis undergoes a Mumford procedure after unsuccessful conservative treatments.