© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Closed treatment of an acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation, commonly known as an AC separation or separated shoulder, involves a non-invasive approach to managing this type of injury. The acromioclavicular joint is a critical connection point between the acromion of the scapula and the clavicle, characterized by a fibrocartilaginous meniscal disc that cushions the joint surfaces. This joint is supported by various muscles and ligaments that provide stability during movement. AC joint dislocations often result from traumatic incidents, such as a direct impact to the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm, which can compromise the integrity of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. To confirm the diagnosis of an AC dislocation, separate radiographs are typically obtained. In the context of CPT® Code 23540, the treatment is conducted without manipulation, focusing on conservative management strategies that may include the use of pain relief medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and modifications to the patient's activity level. Additionally, the application of a sling may be utilized to limit the range of motion and support the injured area during the healing process.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation is indicated for patients presenting with the following conditions:
The closed treatment of an acromioclavicular dislocation involves several key procedural steps:
After the closed treatment of an acromioclavicular dislocation, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary depending on the severity of the dislocation and adherence to post-treatment instructions. It is essential to follow the prescribed activity modifications and utilize the sling as directed to ensure proper healing. Patients may experience some limitations in shoulder mobility during the recovery phase, and physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and range of motion once the initial healing has occurred. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to evaluate the progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
| Short Descr | CLTX ACROMCLAV DISLC WO MNPJ | Medium Descr | CLSD TX ACROMIOCLAVICULAR DISLC W/O MANIPULATION | Long Descr | Closed treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation; without manipulation | 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) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | 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) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure |
| 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). | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 55 | Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number. | 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.) | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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
|
|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.