Coding Challenges in Common Pediatric Sports Surgeries of the Shoulder, Elbow, and Ankle

Abstract

Pediatric Sports Medicine is a relatively new subspecialty within Pediatric Orthopaedics, with continually evolving surgical techniques. As a result, many of the procedures performed may not have well-established corresponding CPT codes, leading to considerable variability in how different surgeons code for the same procedure. This article presents case scenarios for common shoulder, elbow, and ankle pathologies treated surgically by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The intent is to clarify some discrepancies in coding for these procedures and aid the surgeon in proper billing. It is important to note that the following scenarios are hypothetical and therefore ultimate code selection should always reflect the operative report documentation.