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Billing code

D017A — Shoulder dislocation – open reduction, early

Shoulder dislocation, early open reduction

Bill for early surgical reduction of a dislocated shoulder, including any internal or external fixation.

Watch for: Late open reduction is R472 and recurrent instability repair is R401; transferring after-care means you bill 80%.

Code

D017A

Description

Shoulder dislocation – open reduction, early

FHO+ basket

Not in the FHO+ base rate basket (Schedule 2 or 2B).

Effective date

Apr 1, 2026

Termination date

No end date

Explanation

Updated October 26, 2026

Early open reduction of a glenohumeral (shoulder) dislocation.

What it covers

D017 is early open reduction of a glenohumeral joint dislocation (N27). Late open reduction is R472 and open reduction for recurrent dislocation is R401. Closed reduction is D015 (without anaesthetic) or D016 (with anaesthetic) (N27).

Billing rules

• Open reduction means treating the fracture or dislocation by closed intramedullary fixation or by an operation that exposes it; the fee includes fixation by internal or external devices (N1).
• For open repair of recurrent glenohumeral instability, use R401, not R472 (N27).
• The major pre-operative visit (the consultation or assessment where you decide to treat) may be billed in addition to the fracture or dislocation fee (N1, SP2).
• Multiple fractures or dislocations: the major one is paid at 100% and each other one at 85% (N1).
• If after-care is transferred to another physician, the surgeon who did the open reduction claims 80% of the fee (N2).
• Non-elective and started after hours: add E409 (+50%, weekday evenings and weekend/holiday days and evenings) or E410 (+75%, nights 00:00–07:00) (GP103–GP104, SP2).
• Repeat reductions of the same fracture or dislocation: claim the full fee for the final reduction and after-care; earlier reductions by the same surgeon are claimed at 85% (N2).
• Age premiums of 10% to 30% apply for patients under 16 (GP64).

Related codes: D015, D016, R472, R401, F052

Source: Schedule of Benefits (July 1, 2026), Musculoskeletal System Surgical Procedures, Shoulder, Arm and Chest, page N27. Fracture and dislocation rules N1–N2.

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