How To Use CPT Code 29819

CPT 29819 describes a specific procedure used in arthroscopy of the shoulder joint. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29819?

CPT 29819 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure involving the removal of loose bodies or foreign bodies from the shoulder joint using arthroscopy. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to alleviate pain, inflammation, and restrictions in joint motion caused by these bodies.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29819 is: ‘Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the shoulder area to access the joint.
3. An arthroscope, a specialized instrument with a light source and camera, is inserted through the incision to visualize the inside of the joint.
4. The provider instills saline solution to expand the joint space for better visibility.
5. The joint is carefully examined for the presence of loose bodies or foreign bodies.
6. If any are found, the provider uses instruments to secure and remove them.
7. The joint is irrigated to remove any debris or blood.
8. The provider checks for bleeding and ensures the joint is clean.
9. The instruments are removed, and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29819 is used when a patient has loose bodies or foreign bodies in their shoulder joint that are causing pain, inflammation, and restrictions in joint motion. These bodies can include small pieces of broken cartilage or suture anchors from a previous surgical procedure. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is trained in arthroscopy and has the necessary equipment to visualize and remove the bodies.

5. When to use CPT code 29819

CPT code 29819 should be used when a healthcare provider performs arthroscopy of the shoulder joint and removes loose bodies or foreign bodies during the procedure. It is important to note that this code should not be used for diagnostic arthroscopy or for other procedures performed on the shoulder joint that do not involve the removal of loose bodies or foreign bodies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29819, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of loose bodies or foreign bodies in the shoulder joint
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of arthroscopy and the removal of the bodies
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29819, ensure that the procedure involves the removal of loose bodies or foreign bodies from the shoulder joint using arthroscopy. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to accurately document the procedure in the medical record. Additionally, it is crucial to use the appropriate modifiers if necessary and to avoid reporting diagnostic codes with surgical codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 29819 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. Examples

1. A patient undergoes arthroscopy of the shoulder joint, and the healthcare provider removes a loose body that was causing pain and restricted motion.
2. During a surgical procedure, the healthcare provider discovers a foreign body in the patient’s shoulder joint and performs arthroscopy to remove it.
3. A patient with chronic shoulder pain undergoes arthroscopy, and the healthcare provider identifies and removes multiple loose bodies during the procedure.
4. After a previous surgical procedure, a patient develops inflammation and restricted motion in the shoulder joint. Arthroscopy is performed, and the healthcare provider removes a suture anchor that was causing the symptoms.
5. A patient presents with a history of shoulder trauma and ongoing pain. Arthroscopy is performed, and the healthcare provider removes a small piece of broken cartilage that was causing discomfort.