The Orthopedic Coding Professional: A Comprehensive Training Program
Orthopedic coding can challenge even experienced coders. Operative terminology is detailed, techniques vary, and procedures that sound similar may have very different CPT requirements. This course helps coders understand what the surgeon actually documented and how those details connect to the code being considered. Working through cases from shoulder to foot and ankle, including spine, fracture care, arthroscopy, joint replacement and revision, we will focus on what supports a code, what cannot be assumed, and when clarification is needed. We will also discuss situations where the documentation is strong but the code selection deserves a second look.
Webinar Objectives
- Recognize the anatomical details that matter when reading orthopedic operative reports.
- Understand common orthopedic terms and the techniques described by surgeons.
- Recognize documented clinical indicators without making clinical determinations.
- Find the portions of a report that support each proposed CPT code.
- Distinguish additional procedures from work already included in another service.
- Use current CPT instructions, coding guidance and applicable edits to check code selection.
- Spot missing, unclear or conflicting details that may affect coding.
- Know when physician clarification is needed and when the report already answers the question.
- Discuss coding concerns clearly with physicians and clinical staff.
- Explain coding decisions using the documented work and authoritative references.
Format & Logistics
Important Disclaimers
This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or professional advice. Always consult your organization's legal counsel, compliance officer, or payer-specific guidance before applying any coding, billing, or documentation practice discussed here.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association (AMA). Healthcare Inspired is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AMA.
This course does not offer CEU credit on its own. HCi members have access to separate CEU-eligible live webinars and events as part of their membership, and this specialty course is included in qualifying HCi membership tiers.
Module 1: Foundations of Orthopedic Documentation Analysis
Lesson 1.1: Your Role as an Orthopedic Coder
Lesson 1.2: Getting to Know the Op Note
Lesson 1.3: Surgical Terms That Trip People Up
Lesson 1.4: Is the Code Really Supported?
Lesson 1.5: Where to Find the Answers
Lesson 1.6: Templates, Copied Text & Contradictions
Lesson 1.7: Explaining Your Code in Writing
Module 2: Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgical Documentation
Lesson 2.1: Shoulder Anatomy for Coders
Lesson 2.2: Reading a Shoulder Scope Note
Lesson 2.3: Rotator Cuff Surgery
Lesson 2.4: Labral Tears and Stabilization
Lesson 2.5: Biceps Procedures
Lesson 2.6: Shoulder Replacement and Revision
Module 3: Elbow, Forearm, Wrist & Hand Documentation
Lesson 3.1: Elbow, Wrist and Hand Anatomy for Coders
Lesson 3.2: Elbow Procedures
Lesson 3.3: Tendons and Ligaments
Lesson 3.4: Wrist and Hand Procedures
Lesson 3.5: Is It Supported, and Can It Be Coded Separately?
Module 4: Spine Surgery Documentation: Decompression, Fusion & Instrumentation
Lesson 4.1: Spine Anatomy for Coders
Lesson 4.2: Decompression
Lesson 4.3: Disc Procedures
Lesson 4.4: Spinal Fusion
Lesson 4.5: Instrumentation, Interbody Devices and Bone Graft
Lesson 4.6: Revision Spine Surgery
Lesson 4.7: Mapping a Spine Case
Module 5: Hip & Pelvis Surgical Documentation
Lesson 5.1: Hip and Pelvis Anatomy for Coders
Lesson 5.2: Hip Scope
Lesson 5.3: First-Time Hip Replacement
Lesson 5.4: Hip Revision
Lesson 5.5: Hip Fractures
Module 6: Knee Surgery Documentation
Lesson 6.1: Compartments and Reading the Knee Report
Lesson 6.2: Meniscectomy and Meniscal Repair
Lesson 6.3: Synovectomy and Ligament Reconstruction
Lesson 6.4: Total and Partial Knee Arthroplasty
Lesson 6.5: Office Procedures and Diagnosis Support
Lesson 6.6: Three Knee Documentation Cases
Module 7: Foot & Ankle Surgical Documentation
Lesson 7.1: Foot and Ankle Anatomy
Lesson 7.2: Ankle and Subtalar Arthroscopy
Lesson 7.3: Ligament Repair and Tendon Procedures
Lesson 7.4: Ankle Replacement and Joint Fusion
Lesson 7.5: Hallux Valgus and Lesser-Toe Surgery
Lesson 7.6: Flatfoot, Heel, Nerve, Casts and Hardware Removal
Lesson 7.7: Three Foot and Ankle Documentation Cases
Module 8: Orthopedic Trauma, Fracture Care & Revision Procedures
Lesson 8.1: Understanding Fracture Treatment Types
Lesson 8.2: Choosing the Definitive Fracture Code and Open-Fracture Debridement
Lesson 8.3: Staged Treatment, External Fixation, and Postoperative Modifiers
Lesson 8.4: Casts, Splints, Imaging, and Hardware Removal
Lesson 8.5: Nonunion, Malunion, Bone Graft, and Periprosthetic Fracture
Lesson 8.6: Fracture Diagnoses and Three Trauma Documentation Cases
Module 9: Documentation Support, Coding Compliance & Physician Communication
Lesson 9.1: Recognizing What the Record Supports
Lesson 9.2: Separating a Coding Issue from a Documentation Issue
Lesson 9.3: Deciding When to Query and Writing a Neutral Question
Lesson 9.4: Explaining a Coding Decision: Modifiers, Units, and Coverage
Lesson 9.5: Working With Physicians and Sample Query Practice
Module 10: Advanced Orthopedic Operative Report Analysis & Practical Application
Lesson 10.1: The HCi Review Process
Lesson 10.2: Case Reviews: Shoulder, Knee, and Spine
Lesson 10.3: Case Reviews: Hip, Forefoot, Nerve, and Hip Arthroscopy
Lesson 10.4: Final Case Reviews: Trimalleolar Fracture, TKA Revision, and Final Assessment