2025 CPT code 29880
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopic meniscectomy of both medial and lateral compartments of the knee, including any meniscal shaving and debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty) in the same or separate compartments.
Modifiers -51 (multiple procedures), -59 (distinct procedural service), and potentially -76 (repeat procedure) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Symptoms such as pain, locking, clicking, swelling, and decreased range of motion related to meniscal tears and/or articular cartilage damage; failure of conservative treatment.
The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee, inserts an arthroscope (a small camera) and instruments, removes damaged meniscus tissue, performs any necessary cartilage debridement, and closes the incisions.
In simple words: This is a type of keyhole surgery on the knee.The doctor uses a tiny camera to see inside the knee and removes torn parts of the cartilage (meniscus) from both sides of the knee.They may also clean up or smooth out any other damaged cartilage.
This surgical procedure involves arthroscopic examination of the knee joint. The surgeon removes the damaged and torn meniscus from both the medial and lateral compartments of the knee joint, including any necessary meniscal shaving.Debridement or shaving of damaged articular cartilage (chondroplasty) may also be performed in the same or separate compartments.The procedure utilizes an arthroscope, a small camera, inserted through small incisions to visualize and treat the joint.
Example 1: A patient presents with a medial and lateral meniscus tear causing pain and locking. The surgeon performs an arthroscopic meniscectomy of both compartments, removing the damaged meniscal tissue., A patient has a medial meniscus tear and significant cartilage damage in the lateral compartment. The surgeon performs an arthroscopic meniscectomy of the medial compartment and chondroplasty of the lateral compartment, reporting both with modifier -59., A patient with osteoarthritis experiences significant pain due to medial and lateral meniscal tears and cartilage damage in both compartments. The surgeon performs an arthroscopic meniscectomy of both compartments with chondroplasty in both compartments. The procedure includes the removal of loose bodies.
Preoperative diagnosis, operative report detailing the specific procedures (meniscectomy and chondroplasty), locations (medial and lateral compartments), and any additional procedures; postoperative diagnosis.
** Always consult the most current CPT codebook and coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.This information is for guidance only and does not substitute professional coding advice.
- Revenue Code: P8A (ENDOSCOPY - ARTHROSCOPY)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office