What does CPT code 29881 mean?
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical
29881 – Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving) 29882 – Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial OR lateral)
What is the difference between CPT code 29880 and 29881?
By definition, 29880 reports meniscectomy in both the medial and lateral compartments, while 29881 defines a meniscectomy in either the medial or lateral compartment.
Can 29877 and 29881 be billed together?
Yes. In order to separately report arthroscopic debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (29877) and arthroscopic meniscectomy (29880, 29881) performed at the same session, the procedures must be performed in separate compartments of the knee.
Does CPT code 29881 include chondroplasty?
The chondroplasty is inclusive and not separately reportable even though the procedure is performed in two separate compartments. The chondroplasty is not reportable in lieu of CPT code 29881 because the documentation and medical necessity supported the meniscectomy as the primary procedure.
What is an arthroscopy of the knee?
An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat problems with joints. It’s most commonly used on the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips. Arthroscopy equipment is very small, so only small cuts in the skin are needed.
Can CPT codes 29888 and 29881 be billed together?
These codes can be billed together, however you need to make sure that your diagnoses are linked properly. You wouldn’t do a menisectomy for an ACL tear, so if your diagnosis is not correct it could be denied for medical necessity.
Can you bill 29881 and G0289 together?
Since CPT codes 29880 and 29881 (Surgical knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage of same or separate compartment(s)) include debridement/shaving of articular cartilage of any compartment, HCPCS code G0289 may be reported with CPT codes 29880 or 29881 only if reported for …
What is Chondroplasty of the knee?
Chondroplasty refers to the smoothing of degenerative cartilage and trimming of unstable cartilage flaps to stabilize and treat chondral lesions.
Is it worth having a knee arthroscopy?
It’s based on the review of a randomized trial published in 2016 by BMJ . A panel of 18 experts issued the recommendation. In it, they strongly suggest that arthroscopic surgery offers little to no benefit over exercise therapy. The recommendation applies to nearly all people with degenerative knee disease.
How long does it take to recover from knee arthroscopy?
Knee Arthroscopy Fundamentals Knee arthroscopy is one of the most frequently used procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries. This minor surgical procedure is done using an instrument called an arthroscope.
How do you bill a knee arthroscopy?
Report HCPCS code G0289 for arthroscopy, knee, surgical, for removal of loose body, foreign body, debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty) at the time of other surgical knee arthroscopy in a different compartment of the same knee.
Can CPT codes 29881 and 29874 be billed together?
Q: Based on CPT Assistant, CPT code 29874 (knee arthroscopy with removal of loose/foreign body) may be reported with modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) if performed in a separate compartment from procedures 29875-29881.
What is medical billing code 29881?
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ®) code 29881 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range – Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System. Subscribe to Codify and get the code details in a flash.
What is the modifier for separate procedures?
It says to use a 59 modifier on “separate procedure” codes to indicate that the procedure is not considered to be a component of another procedure, but is a distinct, independent procedure. The guidelines imply that anytime you bill a code with that designation with other services, you should append a 59 modifier to it.
What is CPT 29880?
CPT 29880, Under Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 29880 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range – Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System.
What is the CPT code for lateral meniscus repair?
Lateral Meniscal Tear Inside-Out Technique. CPT code = 29882(arthroscopy knee with medial OR lateral meniscus repair); 29883 (medial AND lateral repair) Risks = peroneal nerve, popliteal vessels.