How To Use CPT Code 23330

CPT code 23330 describes the removal of a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s shoulder. 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 23330?

CPT 23330 is used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s shoulder. This code is specifically for cases where the foreign body is located just under the skin and not in the deeper tissue or muscle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 23330 is: ‘Removal of foreign body, shoulder subcutaneous.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 23330, the provider begins by making an incision into the shoulder. They then carefully dissect through the subcutaneous tissue, or the tissue just under the skin, to locate the foreign body. Once located, the provider uses surgical tools to remove the foreign body. The site is then irrigated, bleeding is controlled, and the layers of tissue are sutured together to close the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 23330 is used when a foreign body, such as a thorn, wood particle, or gravel, becomes lodged in the subcutaneous tissue of the shoulder. The presence of the foreign body causes symptoms such as swelling, pain, and limited movement of the shoulder. X-ray images may be taken prior to the procedure to locate the foreign body in the soft tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 23330

CPT code 23330 should be used when a provider performs the surgical removal of a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s shoulder. It is important to note that this code is specifically for cases where the foreign body is located in the subcutaneous tissue and not in the deeper tissue or muscle.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 23330, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms and the presence of a foreign body in the subcutaneous tissue of the shoulder
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the incision, dissection, removal of the foreign body, irrigation, bleeding control, and wound closure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 23330, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. This code should only be reported for the removal of a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of the shoulder. It should not be reported for the removal of foreign bodies from deeper tissue or muscle. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 23330 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 23330 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 23330

There are several similar codes to CPT 23330 that describe the removal of foreign bodies from different areas of the body. These include:

• CPT 23331: Removal of foreign body, shoulder deep subfascial or intramuscular
• CPT 23332: Removal of foreign body, shoulder joint
• CPT 23333: Removal of foreign body, shoulder deep subfascial or intramuscular
• CPT 23334: Removal of foreign body, shoulder joint
• CPT 23350: Removal of foreign body, shoulder; complicated

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a wood splinter lodged in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the splinter using CPT code 23330.
2. A patient has a metal shard embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the shard using CPT code 23330.
3. A patient has gravel trapped in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the gravel using CPT code 23330.
4. A patient has a foreign body, such as a glass fragment, in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the fragment using CPT code 23330.
5. A patient has a bone fragment lodged in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the fragment using CPT code 23330.
6. A patient has a thorn stuck in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the thorn using CPT code 23330.
7. A patient has a plastic particle embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the particle using CPT code 23330.
8. A patient has a splinter trapped in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the splinter using CPT code 23330.
9. A patient has a metal fragment lodged in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the fragment using CPT code 23330.
10. A patient has gravel embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of their shoulder. The provider performs a surgical procedure to remove the gravel using CPT code 23330.