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Official Description

Removal of subdeltoid calcareous deposits, open

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 23000 involves the open removal of subdeltoid calcareous deposits, which are calcium deposits that can accumulate in the shoulder region, particularly affecting the supraspinatus tendon. This condition often leads to pain and restricted movement in the shoulder, necessitating surgical intervention. The procedure begins with an incision in the skin over the shoulder, allowing access to the subdeltoid area through a deltoid incision. Once the area is exposed, a synovectomy of the bursal floor is performed to facilitate the removal of the deposits. The surgeon then identifies the calcium deposits located within the supraspinatus tendon. The tendon is incised to access these deposits, which can vary in consistency from soft and paste-like to hard. The removal process involves 'milking' the softer deposits out using a curette, while harder deposits are scraped away. The procedure is thorough, continuing until all identified calcium deposits are successfully removed, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with this condition.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to the presence of subdeltoid calcareous deposits, which may include:

  • Pain in the shoulder: Patients often report significant discomfort in the shoulder region, particularly during movement.
  • Restricted range of motion: The accumulation of calcium deposits can lead to limited mobility in the shoulder joint, affecting daily activities.
  • Inflammation: Inflammation in the subdeltoid area may be present, contributing to pain and discomfort.

2. Procedure

The procedure consists of several key steps that ensure the effective removal of the calcareous deposits:

  • Step 1: The surgeon begins by making an incision in the skin over the shoulder, which provides access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Through the deltoid incision, the subdeltoid region is exposed, allowing the surgeon to visualize the area where the deposits are located.
  • Step 3: A synovectomy of the bursal floor is performed to remove any inflamed synovial tissue, which may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
  • Step 4: The surgeon identifies the calcium deposits typically found in the supraspinatus tendon, which are the target of the procedure.
  • Step 5: An incision is made in the tendon to access the deposits directly, facilitating their removal.
  • Step 6: Soft, paste-like deposits are removed by milking them from the tendon using a curette, a surgical instrument designed for scraping and removing tissue.
  • Step 7: For harder deposits, the surgeon uses the curette to scrape them from the tendon, ensuring that all deposits are effectively removed.
  • Step 8: The procedure continues until all identified calcium deposits have been located and removed, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include pain management strategies, physical therapy to restore range of motion, and follow-up appointments to monitor the surgical site for any signs of complications. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities for a period of time to allow for adequate healing. The expected recovery time may vary based on individual circumstances and the extent of the procedure performed.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF CALCIUM DEPOSITS
Medium Descr REMOVAL SUBDELTOID CALCAREOUS DEPOSITS OPEN
Long Descr Removal of subdeltoid calcareous deposits, open
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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