2025 CPT code 29881
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial or lateral), including any meniscal shaving, including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. Refer to the CPT manual for appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a symptomatic meniscal tear or articular cartilage damage that is unresponsive to conservative management (physical therapy, medication). Pre-operative imaging should support the diagnosis.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for the pre-operative assessment, surgical procedure (including incisions, arthroscopy, meniscectomy, chondroplasty, irrigation, and closure), and post-operative care.Anesthesiology services may be billed separately.
In simple words: The doctor uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) inserted into the knee to see and repair the meniscus (cartilage cushion) in either the inner or outer part of the knee.They might also smooth out damaged cartilage during the procedure. This helps reduce knee pain and improve movement.
This CPT code describes a surgical arthroscopy of the knee with a meniscectomy performed on either the medial or lateral compartment.The procedure includes any necessary meniscal shaving and debridement or shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty) within the same or separate compartments.The arthroscope allows visualization of the interior of the knee joint for diagnosis and surgical intervention.
Example 1: A 35-year-old patient presents with chronic medial knee pain and limited range of motion following a sports injury.Arthroscopy reveals a torn medial meniscus and some articular cartilage damage.A meniscectomy and chondroplasty are performed via arthroscopy on the medial compartment., A 50-year-old patient with osteoarthritis exhibits degenerative changes to the lateral meniscus. Arthroscopy is performed to assess the extent of the damage, and a partial lateral meniscectomy and shaving of the articular cartilage are performed., A 22-year-old athlete sustained an acute lateral meniscal tear during a competition.An urgent arthroscopy is performed which reveals a significant lateral meniscal tear and the surgeon performs a meniscectomy.Debridement of articular cartilage is also performed in a separate compartment.
* Pre-operative history and physical exam, including documentation of symptoms and diagnostic imaging (MRI preferred)* Operative report detailing the procedure performed (meniscectomy, chondroplasty, and location [medial or lateral]), findings, and any complications.* Post-operative care plan including follow-up appointments and physical therapy.* Any relevant pathology reports.
** Always refer to the most current CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for coding and reimbursement information.
- Revenue Code: P8A (ENDOSCOPY - ARTHROSCOPY)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Refer to the current year's CPT codebook or a medical billing resource for RVU values and reimbursement information.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the provided text. Consult the CPT codebook or other resources for guidance on the specific global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The information is not provided in the given text.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available in the provided text. Refer to historical CPT codebooks or billing databases for historical fee schedule data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office