Orthopedic coding: Shoulder anatomy can be your key to quick code selection

The shoulder is particularly susceptible to both acute injuries and chronic conditions because it is highly mobile

. In order to make your CPT coding as simple as possible, you should try to get a good idea of the major anatomical features of the shoulder.

Begin with the bones: The bones that form the shoulder girdle are the humerus, clavicle, scapula, and sternum. The glenohumeral joint is the largest shoulder joint while the acromioclavicular joint (AC) and the sternoclavicular joint (SC) are smaller joints of the shoulder.

The glenoid labrum is a fibrous tissue rim that boosts the stability of the glenohumeral joint and attaches the glenohumeral ligaments and the biceps tendon to the glenoid. The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder.

Learn the clock-face analogy: Looking at a cross-section of the gleno-humeral joint, surgeons may many a time describe some of their procedures by analogy to a clock face. As such, you may see the labrum was torn between 4 and 6 o'clock. If you imagine a clock face superimposed on the cross-section of the glenoid fossa only, on the right shoulder the anterior aspect of the joint will be from 12 to 6, while on the left shoulder the posterior aspect witll be from 12 to 6. Orthopedists often use the clock-face analogy to describe tears of the labrum or work carried out on certain sections of the glenohumeral joint capsule.

For more orthopedic coding tips, sign up for an audio conference. Even if you miss out on a scheduled conference, you can always fall back on CDs and PDF transcripts to take you through the entire event.

Orthopedic coding: Shoulder anatomy can be your key to quick code selection

By: Angela Martin

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