2025 CPT code 29822
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopic surgical debridement of the shoulder; limited to 1 or 2 discrete structures.
Modifier 51 may be appended if arthroscopic debridement is performed in conjunction with another procedure (e.g., arthrotomy).Other modifiers may apply based on circumstances; consult the CPT manual.
Medical necessity for arthroscopic debridement is established when conservative treatments fail to alleviate shoulder pain and limitation of motion caused by damaged cartilage, bone spurs, or loose bodies. The procedure aims to improve joint function and reduce pain.
The orthopedic surgeon or a qualified healthcare professional performs the procedure. Responsibilities include patient assessment, anesthesia administration (if applicable), surgical technique (arthroscopy and debridement), wound closure, post-operative care instructions, and follow-up.
In simple words: This surgery uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted into the shoulder joint to remove damaged tissue or cartilage.The surgeon makes tiny cuts to insert the tools.Only one or two specific damaged areas in the shoulder will be treated.
Arthroscopic surgical debridement of the shoulder joint, limited to one or two discrete structures (e.g., humeral bone, humeral articular cartilage, glenoid bone, glenoid articular cartilage, biceps tendon, biceps anchor complex, labrum, articular capsule, articular side of the rotator cuff, bursal side of the rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, or foreign body(ies)).The procedure involves the insertion of an arthroscope and additional instruments through small incisions to remove damaged tissue.Diagnostic arthroscopy is inherent to this procedure.Open procedures are coded separately.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with persistent shoulder pain and limited range of motion following a fall. Arthroscopic debridement is performed to remove damaged cartilage and bone spurs from the glenoid., A 70-year-old patient with osteoarthritis experiences significant shoulder pain.Arthroscopic debridement is performed to remove loose bodies and frayed cartilage from the humeral head., A 30-year-old athlete sustains a rotator cuff injury. Limited arthroscopic debridement removes damaged tissue from the bursal side of the rotator cuff.
** The description in the provided data mentions that the procedure can involve the removal of foreign bodies larger than the cannula. Ensure accurate coding and documentation if this situation applies.
- Revenue Code: P8A (ENDOSCOPY - ARTHROSCOPY)
- RVU: This information requires access to current fee schedules and may vary by payer and geographic location.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for RVU values.
- Global Days: The global surgical period for this procedure needs to be determined based on the specific payer's guidelines.It is not explicitly stated in the provided data.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The use of a Technical Component (TC) modifier depends on whether the procedure is performed in a facility setting versus a physician's office.Refer to payer specific guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: This information requires access to historical fee schedules which are not provided here. Consult the appropriate historical fee schedule database.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)