2025 CPT code 29848
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures Musculoskeletal System Feed
Wrist endoscopy with release of the transverse carpal ligament.
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), and 76 (repeat procedure) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.Consult the official CPT manual for complete modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by documentation of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms (pain, numbness, paresthesia, decreased grip strength) that are unresponsive to conservative management (e.g., splinting, NSAIDs).The patient's symptoms must significantly impact their daily activities or occupation.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, including prepping the patient, making the incision, inserting and maneuvering the endoscope, dividing the transverse carpal ligament, irrigating the area, checking for bleeding, removing instruments, and closing the incision.Anesthesiologist may be involved in administering anesthesia.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System > Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures
In simple words: The doctor uses a tiny camera (endoscope) inserted into the wrist to cut a band of tissue (transverse carpal ligament) that's pressing on a nerve (median nerve), causing hand and finger pain and numbness. This relieves the pressure and improves symptoms.
This CPT code describes a surgical endoscopic procedure performed on the wrist joint. The procedure involves the insertion of an endoscope to visualize and divide the transverse carpal ligament, thereby releasing pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel.This decompression aims to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. The procedure includes the insertion and removal of the endoscope, irrigation of the joint, and closure of the incision.Do not report this code with 11960. For an open surgical approach, use code 64721.
Example 1: A 45-year-old female patient presents with classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, including nocturnal paresthesia, numbness in the thumb and index finger, and decreased grip strength.Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is performed to alleviate her symptoms., A 60-year-old male patient with diabetes and severe carpal tunnel syndrome unresponsive to conservative management undergoes endoscopic carpal tunnel release. The procedure is performed to improve hand function and reduce pain., A 30-year-old female patient with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome undergoes bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel release.Modifier 50 (bilateral procedure) is appended to the code to reflect this.
Preoperative diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, detailed operative report specifying the endoscopic approach, release of the transverse carpal ligament, irrigation, and closure of the incision.Postoperative notes documenting the patient's recovery and any complications.
** The size of the carpal tunnel and the extent of ligament release do not influence code selection. Always refer to the most current CPT manual for accurate coding and reimbursement information.
- Revenue Code: P8A (Endoscopy - Arthroscopy)
- RVU: This information is not provided in the source and requires consultation with payer-specific fee schedules and RVU data.
- Global Days: The global period information for this code is not specified in the source and would need to be obtained from payer-specific guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule information requires consultation of payer-specific data and historical records.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)