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Official Description

Arthrotomy, glenohumeral joint, including biopsy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The glenohumeral joint, commonly referred to as the shoulder joint, is a critical component of the shoulder complex, which consists of three primary joints: the glenohumeral joint, the sternoclavicular joint, and the acromioclavicular joint. The glenohumeral joint is characterized as a shallow ball-and-socket joint, formed by the articulation of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and the head of the humerus. This joint allows for a wide range of motion in the shoulder, making it essential for various upper limb activities. The procedure described by CPT® Code 23100 involves an arthrotomy of the glenohumeral joint, which includes an open biopsy. During this procedure, a surgical incision is made over the deltoid and pectoral muscles to access the joint. The muscles are carefully divided, and the subscapularis tendon is split to reveal the joint capsule. Once the capsule is incised, the surgeon can explore the joint for any signs of disease, injury, or abnormalities. Tissue samples are collected from the joint cavity for further laboratory analysis, which is crucial for diagnosing potential conditions affecting the joint. After the exploration and biopsy are completed, the incisions are meticulously closed, and a dressing is applied to promote healing.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 23100 is indicated for various conditions affecting the glenohumeral joint. These may include:

  • Joint Pain Persistent pain in the shoulder that may suggest underlying pathology.
  • Joint Swelling Observable swelling that may indicate inflammation or other joint issues.
  • Limited Range of Motion Difficulty in moving the shoulder, which may be due to structural abnormalities.
  • Suspected Infection Signs of infection within the joint, such as fever or localized warmth.
  • Suspected Tumors Abnormal growths or lesions that require histological examination.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 23100 involves several critical steps to ensure proper access and evaluation of the glenohumeral joint. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Anterior Approach The surgeon begins by making a skin incision over the deltoid and pectoral muscles, which provides access to the underlying structures of the shoulder.
  • Step 2: Muscle Division The deltoid and pectoral muscles are carefully divided to allow for clear visibility and access to the joint area.
  • Step 3: Splitting the Subscapularis Tendon The subscapularis tendon is split to expose the glenohumeral joint capsule, which is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Incising the Joint Capsule The joint capsule is incised, allowing the surgeon to explore the interior of the glenohumeral joint for any signs of disease, injury, or abnormalities.
  • Step 5: Tissue Sampling Tissue samples are obtained from the joint cavity for laboratory analysis, which is crucial for diagnosing any underlying conditions.
  • Step 6: Closure After the exploration and biopsy are completed, the incisions are closed meticulously to promote healing, and a dressing is applied to protect the surgical site.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the arthrotomy and biopsy of the glenohumeral joint, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Pain management may be necessary, and patients are typically advised to follow a rehabilitation program to restore shoulder function gradually. The recovery period may vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's health status. Patients should also be informed about the importance of follow-up appointments to discuss laboratory results and any further treatment options based on the findings from the biopsy.

Short Descr BIOPSY OF SHOULDER JOINT
Medium Descr ARTHROTOMY GLENOHUMERAL JOINT W/BIOPSY
Long Descr Arthrotomy, glenohumeral joint, including biopsy
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 159 - Other diagnostic procedures on musculoskeletal system
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
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.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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