2025 CPT code 27332

Arthrotomy, with excision of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) knee; medial OR lateral.

Follow established coding guidelines. Do not report 27332 in conjunction with arthroscopic meniscectomy codes.Appending modifier 54 (Surgical Care Only) indicates that the surgeon performed only the surgical portion of the procedure and was not involved in pre- or postoperative management.

Modifiers may be applicable.Modifier 76 (Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician) would be used if the same physician performs a repeat meniscectomy on the same meniscus. Modifier 52 (Reduced Services) may be applicable if the procedure is terminated prematurely due to extenuating circumstances. LT or RT for left or right side, respectively.

Medical necessity must be established for this procedure.This typically requires documentation of failed conservative treatment options (such as physical therapy, pain management, and bracing) and imaging studies (like MRI) confirming a meniscus tear that correlates with the patient's symptoms. The documentation should clearly demonstrate how the surgery is expected to improve the patient's functional status.

The physician is responsible for the complete procedure, including prepping and anesthetizing the patient, making the incision, removing the damaged meniscus, ensuring hemostasis, and closing the incision in layers.

IMPORTANT If both the medial and lateral menisci are removed, use 27333.If a meniscus repair is performed, use 27403.For arthroscopic meniscectomy, see codes 29880 and 29881.

In simple words: This procedure involves opening the knee joint with an incision to remove the damaged cartilage cushion (meniscus) on either the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) side of the knee.This is done to relieve pain and improve walking ability.

This code describes an open surgical procedure where an incision is made into the knee joint (arthrotomy) to remove either the medial or lateral meniscus (meniscectomy).It is used when only one of the menisci is removed.The procedure is performed to alleviate pain and improve gait often caused by a torn or damaged meniscus. This code does not include procedures performed arthroscopically.

Example 1: A patient presents with persistent medial knee pain and limited range of motion following a twisting injury.MRI confirms a medial meniscus tear. An arthrotomy is performed, and the torn portion of the medial meniscus is excised., A patient with a degenerative lateral meniscus tear experiences chronic knee pain and instability.Conservative treatments have failed, and the decision is made to perform an open lateral meniscectomy (27332)., A patient has a previous arthroscopic partial meniscectomy but continues to experience pain and locking of the knee due to a recurrent tear in the same meniscus.An open arthrotomy with meniscectomy is performed to address the remaining damaged meniscus.

Documentation should include details of the patient's history, physical exam findings, imaging results confirming the diagnosis, a description of the surgical procedure performed (including which meniscus was excised), and any complications encountered. Post-operative instructions and follow-up care plans should also be documented.

** This code describes an open procedure. For arthroscopic meniscectomy, use the appropriate arthroscopy codes.

  • Revenue Code: P3D
  • Global Days : Global days are determined by the payer and vary. Check individual payer guidelines.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) is not applicable to this code as it is a surgical procedure that includes both the technical and professional components.
  • Fee Schedule : Fee schedules vary by payer and location. Consult historical fee data for specific reimbursement information.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital - Inpatient, Hospital - Outpatient
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