CPT code 23412 refers to the surgical repair of a torn shoulder tendon, often known as the rotator cuff.
Procedure Explanation:
This surgical procedure involves fixing a chronic tear in the muscles and tendons around the shoulder, commonly referred to as the rotator cuff. The surgery is conducted through an open incision, meaning a cut is made on the shoulder to access and repair the tear. This procedure specifically focuses on the long-standing tears and doesn’t include treatments for fresh injuries.
Common Names:
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- RC Repair
- Shoulder Tendon Surgery
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 11.93.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Open Repair of Rotator Cuff Tear
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often performed on patients who have long-term shoulder pain and dysfunction due to a torn rotator cuff. These patients might experience difficulty in lifting their arms or have weakness in their shoulder. The chronic nature of these tears means that the damage has been present for a while, possibly due to repetitive overhead activities, aging, or untreated previous injuries.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M75.121: This code represents a chronic tear of the right rotator cuff, indicating long-term damage.
- M75.122: This code is used for a chronic tear of the left rotator cuff, also indicating persistent tear over time.
- M75.19: This code captures other rotator cuff tears not specified, often used when the exact nature isn’t fully classified but chronic.
Summary
In summary, code 23412 describes a procedure to repair long-standing tears in the shoulder’s tendon, primarily focusing on the rotator cuff. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 23412 include M75.121 (chronic right rotator cuff tear) and M75.122 (chronic left rotator cuff tear).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.