© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 23400, known as scapulopexy, involves the surgical fixation of the scapula to the underlying ribs. This procedure is typically indicated in cases of scapular deformities, such as Sprengel's deformity, or in instances where there is paralysis affecting the shoulder girdle. The primary goal of scapulopexy is to stabilize the scapula, which can improve shoulder function and alleviate associated symptoms. During the procedure, a surgical incision is made along the medial aspect of the scapula, allowing access to the underlying structures. The trapezius muscle is then exposed, and the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles are elevated to fully visualize the scapula. The surgical approach may require incising the lateral trapezius muscle to access the supraspinatus fossa. The procedure involves careful dissection and manipulation of various muscles and ribs to achieve proper alignment and fixation of the scapula. Ultimately, the scapula is secured to the ribs using internal fixation techniques, which may include the use of wires and a reconstruction plate, ensuring that the scapula remains in a stable position during the healing process.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The scapulopexy procedure is indicated for specific conditions that affect the stability and positioning of the scapula. These include:
The scapulopexy procedure involves several detailed steps to ensure proper fixation of the scapula to the ribs. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for scapulopexy involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing of the tissues. Patients may be advised to limit shoulder movement to allow for adequate recovery and to follow a rehabilitation program as directed by their healthcare provider. The expected recovery period may vary based on individual circumstances, but adherence to post-operative instructions is crucial for optimal outcomes.
| Short Descr | FIXATION OF SHOULDER BLADE | Medium Descr | SCAPULOPEXY | Long Descr | Scapulopexy (eg, Sprengels deformity or for paralysis) | 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 | 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone |
| 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. | 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 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) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.