© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 23105 refers to an arthrotomy of the glenohumeral joint, which is the ball-and-socket joint located between the humerus (the upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). This procedure involves a surgical opening of the joint to perform a synovectomy, which is the removal of the synovial membrane that lines the joint. The synovial membrane is responsible for producing synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and facilitates smooth movement. In cases where the synovial tissue becomes inflamed due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other synovial proliferative disorders, it can lead to an overproduction of synovial fluid, resulting in joint effusion and discomfort. During the arthrotomy, the surgeon makes an incision over the deltoid and pectoral muscles to access the glenohumeral joint. The procedure may also include obtaining biopsy samples of the synovial tissue for further laboratory analysis, which can help in diagnosing underlying conditions. The use of a motorized shaver allows for the precise removal of the inflamed synovial tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures, such as blood vessels and nerves. After the synovectomy is completed, the joint is thoroughly flushed to clear any debris, and the surgical incisions are closed with appropriate dressings applied to promote healing. This procedure is essential for alleviating symptoms associated with joint inflammation and improving the overall function of the glenohumeral joint.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 23105 is indicated for various conditions that affect the glenohumeral joint, particularly those involving inflammation of the synovial tissue. The following are specific indications for performing an arthrotomy with synovectomy:
The procedure for CPT® Code 23105 involves several critical steps to ensure effective synovectomy of the glenohumeral joint:
After the completion of the arthrotomy and synovectomy, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. The surgical site will be monitored for signs of infection or complications. Patients may be advised to rest the affected shoulder and limit movement to facilitate healing. Pain management strategies, including medications, may be implemented to alleviate discomfort during the recovery period. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint as healing progresses. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess recovery and ensure that the joint is healing properly.
| Short Descr | REMOVE SHOULDER JOINT LINING | Medium Descr | ARTHRT GLENOHUMRL JT W/SYNOVECTOMY W/WO BIOPSY | Long Descr | Arthrotomy; glenohumeral joint, with synovectomy, with or without 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) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
| 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. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | 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). | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.