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The procedure described by CPT® Code 29825 refers to an arthroscopic surgical intervention on the shoulder, specifically aimed at addressing adhesions within the joint. Adhesions are fibrous bands that can form between tissues, leading to restricted movement and pain. This procedure is typically performed when conservative treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms associated with shoulder stiffness and limited range of motion. The patient is positioned either in a lateral decubitus position, where they lie on their side with the affected arm suspended, or in a beach chair position, which allows for optimal access to the shoulder joint. The use of skin traction helps to stabilize the arm during the procedure. During the surgery, a sterile saline solution is introduced into the shoulder joint to expand the space, facilitating better visualization and access for the surgeon. The initial step involves a diagnostic arthroscopy, where the surgeon inspects the joint for adhesions and other potential pathologies. If adhesions are identified, additional incisions may be made to allow for the introduction of surgical instruments necessary for the lysis and resection of these adhesions. The surgeon will then manipulate the shoulder through a gentle range of motion to help separate the adhesions. If any thickened or contracted areas remain after manipulation, they are surgically cut to restore normal movement. Once the adhesions are fully addressed, the shoulder is injected with an anti-inflammatory medication and a local anesthetic to aid in post-operative recovery. Finally, the instruments are removed, excess fluid is drained from the joint, the incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied to complete the procedure.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 29825 is indicated for patients experiencing significant shoulder stiffness and pain due to the presence of adhesions within the shoulder joint. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 29825 involves several key steps to effectively address shoulder adhesions:
After the completion of the procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve rest and limited movement of the shoulder to allow for healing. Post-operative care typically includes the application of ice to reduce swelling and pain management with prescribed medications. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and range of motion in the shoulder. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the procedure in alleviating symptoms. Patients should be advised to report any signs of infection or unusual pain to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | SHO ARTHRS SRG LSS&RESCJ ADS | Medium Descr | SURGICAL ARTHROSCOPY SHOULDER W/LSS&RESCJ ADS | Long Descr | Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with lysis and resection of adhesions, with or without manipulation | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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. | Endoscopic Base Code | 29805 Arthroscopy, shoulder, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy (separate 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) | P8A - Endoscopy - arthroscopy | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 150 - Division of joint capsule, ligament or cartilage |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 29826 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with coracoacromial ligament (ie, arch) release, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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) | 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 | 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). | 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. | 53 | Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 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). | 81 | Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number. | 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). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | T2 | Left foot, third digit | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | 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 |
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| 2021-01-01 | Changed | Short and medium descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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