Mastering the Changes - From Code Updates to Compliance: Session 1 - Elbow/Forearm-Mastering the Changes

Mastering the Changes - Session 1 Job Aid

Pdf Summary

This document provides detailed guidelines for accurate coding and documentation of elbow and forearm procedures, presented during the AAOE Webinar on February 24, 2026, by Margie Vaught. Key points include confirming anatomic specificity by precisely identifying treated bone structures such as medial condyle or radial head, using palms-up position to distinguish medial (ulna) versus lateral (radius), and verifying right versus left sides while clarifying vague terms like “distal humerus.”<br /><br />For tendon and muscle work, full tendon names must be documented, with separate reporting for tenolysis performed on different tendons. It emphasizes differentiating repair types—repair, reinsertion, tenotomy, and debridement—and coding lateral epicondylitis accordingly. Percutaneous tenotomy codes apply only if the tendon is completely divided; ultrasound-based microtip debridements should be reported as unlisted codes, avoiding mislabeling debridement as tenotomy to mitigate compliance risks.<br /><br />Ligament and nerve procedures require distinguishing between repair and reconstruction, aligning surgeon terminology (UCL/RCL) with CPT language (medial/lateral), and specifying nerves treated, including whether deep transposition occurred. Fracture coding demands precision in specifying open vs. closed treatments, fracture type (epicondylar, supracondylar, etc.), and adherence to NCCI guidelines when fractures and dislocations coincide.<br /><br />Differentiation between devices is critical: hardware removals (plates, screws, pins) must be coded separately from prosthesis removals, and distinctions made among prostheses, hardware, and foreign bodies. Arthroplasty coding depends on the diagnosis—fracture-related or degenerative.<br /><br />Finally, documentation must be robust for revenue protection, requiring full injection details (location, drug, dosage) and thorough recording of compartment and artery explorations when relevant. This comprehensive overview aids mastery of coding updates and compliance for elbow/forearm procedures.

Keywords

elbow coding guidelines

forearm procedure documentation

AAOE webinar 2026

anatomic specificity

tendon and muscle coding

lateral epicondylitis coding

ligament and nerve repair

fracture coding precision

hardware vs prosthesis removal

injection documentation