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2025 CPT code 29875

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, limited (e.g., plica or shelf resection) (separate procedure).

Always refer to the latest CPT guidelines for detailed coding instructions and NCCI edits.This code should only be reported when it represents a distinct, separate procedure.The documentation must clearly justify the medical necessity of the procedure.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances.For example, modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service performed on a different structure or compartment in the same knee.Consult official guidance.

Medical necessity for a limited synovectomy is typically established by symptoms such as pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the knee joint.The condition should be directly related to the inflamed or damaged synovial tissue. Diagnostic imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

The clinical responsibility includes the preparation of the patient, administration of anesthesia (if applicable), creation of small incisions, insertion of the arthroscope and other instruments, visualization of the joint, excision of the targeted synovial tissue, irrigation, hemostasis (control of bleeding), removal of instruments, and closure of incisions.

IMPORTANT Code 29876 (Major synovectomy of two or three compartments) is used for more extensive synovectomy procedures involving two or more compartments of the knee.G0289 may be used as an add-on code for removal of loose bodies or foreign bodies in a different compartment during another surgical knee arthroscopy.

In simple words: This code describes a minimally invasive knee surgery where a small camera (arthroscope) is used to remove a small piece of inflamed tissue inside the knee joint. This surgery is only coded separately if no other knee procedures are done at the same time.

This CPT code 29875 describes a surgical arthroscopy of the knee involving a limited synovectomy, such as a plica or shelf resection.It's considered a "separate procedure" and should only be reported when it's the sole procedure performed during the encounter.The procedure involves the use of an arthroscope to visualize the knee joint and excise a limited amount of inflamed or damaged synovial tissue.It is not separately reportable if performed as part of a more extensive procedure in the same compartment of the knee.

Example 1: A patient presents with knee pain and limited range of motion due to an inflamed medial plica.Arthroscopic limited synovectomy (29875) is performed to excise the plica.No other procedures are performed during the same encounter., A patient has a significant tear of the medial meniscus and also has an inflamed medial plica.Arthroscopic medial meniscectomy is performed, which includes the removal of the inflamed plica.Only the meniscectomy code (e.g., 29881) is billed, not 29875. , A patient undergoes arthroscopy for a lateral meniscus repair. During the procedure, a small area of synovitis is found in the lateral compartment.A limited synovectomy (29875) is performed in the lateral compartment and billed separately from the meniscus repair using modifier 59 to indicate that it is a distinct service in a different location.

The operative report should clearly document the procedure performed, including the specific location and extent of the synovectomy (e.g., medial plica resection, shelf resection).Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses should also be documented. Imaging studies (e.g., MRI, X-ray) may support the medical necessity of the procedure.

** The definition of "limited" in the context of this code is subjective and based on the surgeon's judgment.It's crucial that the documentation adequately supports the medical necessity and the extent of the synovectomy performed to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.

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