How To Use CPT Code 23655

CPT code 23655 describes the closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia. 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 23655?

CPT 23655 is used to describe the closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs a procedure to realign a dislocated shoulder joint using anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 23655 is: ‘Closed treatment of shoulder dislocation, with manipulation requiring anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

In this procedure, the healthcare provider performs a closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized before the procedure. The provider first performs an X-ray to examine the dislocated joint. Then, using gentle pushing or pulling on the shoulder blade and arm, the provider manually adjusts the bones to bring the shoulder back to its normal alignment. After the manipulation, the provider may perform another X-ray to confirm the reduction of the dislocation. The shoulder joint is then placed in a sling or brace for four weeks to aid in healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 23655 is used for patients who have a shoulder joint dislocation that requires closed treatment with manipulation under anesthesia. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is qualified to administer anesthesia and perform the manipulation. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized before the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 23655

CPT code 23655 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia. This code should not be used if the manipulation is performed without anesthesia. In that case, CPT code 23650, Closed treatment of shoulder dislocation, with manipulation without anesthesia, should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 23655, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of shoulder joint dislocation
• Use of anesthesia during the procedure
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the manipulation performed
• Confirmation of reduction of the dislocation through post-procedure X-ray
• Placement of the shoulder joint in a sling or brace

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 23655, ensure that the procedure involves closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia. Use this code only when anesthesia is administered during the procedure. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 23655 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 23655

There are several similar codes to CPT 23655 that describe different procedures related to shoulder dislocation. These codes include:

• CPT 23650: Closed treatment of shoulder dislocation, with manipulation without anesthesia
• CPT 23660: Closed treatment of shoulder dislocation, with fracture manipulation, with or without anesthesia
• CPT 23665: Open treatment of shoulder dislocation, with or without fracture fixation
• CPT 23670: Closed treatment of shoulder dislocation, with surgical or anatomical neck fracture fixation
• CPT 23675: Open treatment of shoulder dislocation, with surgical or anatomical neck fracture fixation

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia performed by an orthopedic surgeon.
2. A healthcare provider administers anesthesia and performs closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation for a patient who suffered a sports-related injury.
3. An emergency room physician performs closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia for a patient involved in a car accident.
4. A patient with a recurrent shoulder dislocation undergoes closed treatment with manipulation under anesthesia performed by a sports medicine specialist.
5. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia for a patient with a history of shoulder instability.
6. An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia while a surgeon performs closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation for a patient with a traumatic injury.
7. A patient with a chronic shoulder dislocation undergoes closed treatment with manipulation under anesthesia performed by an orthopedic surgeon.
8. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation requiring anesthesia for a patient with a congenital shoulder condition.
9. An emergency room physician administers anesthesia and performs closed treatment of a shoulder joint dislocation with manipulation for a patient who fell and dislocated their shoulder.
10. A patient with a dislocated shoulder due to a fall undergoes closed treatment with manipulation under anesthesia performed by an orthopedic surgeon.