2025 CPT code 29882

Arthroscopic surgical repair of a torn meniscus in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee.

Follow CPT guidelines for arthroscopic procedures of the knee.Ensure accurate documentation of the location and nature of the meniscus tear and appropriate modifier application if needed.

Modifiers may be applied as needed, for example, -59 for distinct procedural service if other procedures are performed within the same session in separate compartments.

Medical necessity for arthroscopic meniscus repair is established when conservative treatment measures (e.g., physical therapy, medication) have failed to relieve symptoms, and the patient experiences significant pain, instability, or functional limitations attributable to the meniscal tear.Imaging studies (e.g., MRI) typically support the diagnosis.

The physician or qualified healthcare professional performs the arthroscopy, identifies the meniscal tear, repairs the tear using appropriate surgical techniques, and closes the incisions. Preoperative preparation, anesthesia administration, and postoperative care may be performed by other healthcare professionals.

IMPORTANT 29883 (if repair is in both medial and lateral compartments), G0289 (for loose body removal in separate compartment)

In simple words: The doctor uses a small camera (arthroscope) and tiny instruments to look inside the knee and fix a tear in the meniscus (cartilage). This is done through small cuts, improving knee pain and movement.

This CPT code encompasses arthroscopic examination of the knee joint, followed by surgical repair of a torn meniscus located in either the medial or lateral compartment. The procedure involves making small incisions around the knee joint, inserting an arthroscope to visualize the joint, and utilizing surgical instruments to repair the meniscal tear using sutures.Saline solution is often used to distend the joint during the procedure. The procedure aims to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.

Example 1: A 35-year-old male presents with acute knee pain following a sports injury.Arthroscopy reveals a medial meniscus tear. Code 29882 is used to report the arthroscopic meniscus repair., A 60-year-old female experiences chronic knee pain. Arthroscopy shows a lateral meniscus tear and some chondromalacia. The surgeon performs a meniscus repair (29882) and chondroplasty (reported separately if in a different compartment)., A 22-year-old athlete sustains a significant knee injury. Arthroscopy demonstrates both medial and lateral meniscus tears. Code 29883 (for both compartments) is used instead of 29882.

* Preoperative diagnosis supporting the need for arthroscopic meniscus repair.* Operative report detailing the procedure performed, including the specific compartment(s) involved.* Intraoperative images demonstrating the tear and the repair.* Postoperative care instructions and follow-up plan.

** If a loose body is removed during the same arthroscopic procedure and it is in a different compartment from the meniscus repair, HCPCS code G0289 may be separately reported.Appropriate modifiers should be appended based on the circumstances of the surgical session.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this procedure.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine
  • Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.