How To Use CPT Code 23120

CPT code 23120 describes a partial claviculectomy, also known as a Mumford procedure. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 23120?

CPT 23120 is a code used to describe a partial claviculectomy, specifically a Mumford procedure. This procedure involves the removal of part of the collarbone to alleviate pain caused by chronic joint conditions such as arthritis and arthrosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 23120 is: ‘Claviculectomy partial (For arthroscopic procedure, use 29824).’ This code is used when the provider makes an incision over the acromioclavicular joint, detaches the muscles of the shoulder joint, excises the distal end of the clavicle, and reattaches the muscles.

3. Procedure

In a partial claviculectomy or Mumford procedure, the provider begins by making an incision over the acromioclavicular joint. They then detach the muscles of the shoulder joint, along with their attached fascia. Using instruments, they excise the distal end of the clavicle and smooth the cut surface. The provider then reattaches the muscles, irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 23120 is performed on patients with chronic joint conditions, such as arthritis and arthrosis, that cause significant pain and require surgical intervention. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has determined that a partial claviculectomy is necessary to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

5. When to use CPT code 23120

CPT code 23120 should be used when a provider performs a partial claviculectomy, specifically a Mumford procedure, to relieve pain caused by chronic joint conditions. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for arthroscopic procedures, which should be reported using code 29824.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 23120, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a partial claviculectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, detachment and reattachment of muscles, excision of the clavicle, and closure of the incision
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 23120, ensure that the procedure performed is a partial claviculectomy, specifically a Mumford procedure. If the procedure is performed arthroscopically, use code 29824 instead. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 23120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 23120

There are several similar codes to CPT code 23120 that are used to describe excision procedures on the shoulder. These include:

• CPT 23065: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of shoulder area, subcutaneous
• CPT 23066: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of shoulder area, deep
• CPT 23075: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of shoulder area, subfascial (eg, intramuscular)
• CPT 23100: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of shoulder area, superficial
• CPT 23220: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of shoulder area, deep, subfascial (eg, intramuscular)

9. Examples

1. A patient with chronic arthritis undergoes a partial claviculectomy to alleviate shoulder pain.
2. A provider performs a Mumford procedure on a patient with arthrosis to improve joint function.
3. A partial claviculectomy is performed on a patient with a history of shoulder injuries and chronic pain.
4. A provider excises part of the collarbone in a patient with a tumor in the shoulder area.
5. A patient with a chronic joint condition undergoes a partial claviculectomy to relieve pain and improve mobility.
6. A Mumford procedure is performed on a patient with a degenerative joint disease affecting the shoulder.
7. A provider performs a partial claviculectomy on a patient with a traumatic injury to the shoulder.
8. A patient with chronic shoulder pain undergoes a partial claviculectomy to improve their quality of life.
9. A Mumford procedure is performed on a patient with a history of recurrent shoulder dislocations.
10. A provider excises part of the collarbone in a patient with a large, painful shoulder cyst.