2025 CPT code 29897
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopy, ankle (tibiotalar and fibulotalar joints), surgical; debridement, limited.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances.Examples include modifier 51 (multiple procedures) if performed with another procedure, and modifier 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician) if the procedure is repeated.
The medical necessity for this procedure would be established by clinical findings of damage to the articular cartilage or other intra-articular structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limited range of motion that significantly affect the patient’s daily activities and quality of life.Non-operative treatments should have been attempted and failed before considering this procedure.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional performs the arthroscopic procedure, including prepping the patient, making incisions, inserting the arthroscope, instilling saline, performing the limited debridement, irrigating, checking for bleeding, removing instruments, and closing incisions.
In simple words: This code covers a type of keyhole surgery on the ankle. A small camera is used to see inside the ankle joint, and any damaged tissue is carefully cleaned out.
This CPT code describes a surgical arthroscopy of the ankle's tibiotalar and fibulotalar joints involving limited debridement.The procedure uses an arthroscope to visualize and surgically treat damaged tissues within the joint, encompassing the removal of limited amounts of damaged tissue.Diagnostic arthroscopy is inherently included.
Example 1: A patient presents with ankle pain and limited range of motion due to post-traumatic cartilage damage.Arthroscopy with limited debridement is performed to remove loose bodies and damaged cartilage, improving joint function., A patient experiences chronic ankle pain and swelling from osteoarthritis.Arthroscopic examination reveals osteophytes and loose bodies. Limited debridement of osteophytes and removal of loose bodies is performed via arthroscopy., A patient sustains an ankle injury involving a small tear in the articular cartilage. Arthroscopy is used to assess the damage and perform limited debridement to the damaged area, promoting healing and restoring mobility.
* Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses.* Detailed description of the procedure performed.* Documentation of the extent of debridement.* Any complications encountered during or after the procedure.* Operative report with images if available.* Patient's medical history.
** This code is for limited debridement.For extensive debridement, use code 29898.The size of any loose bodies removed should be documented to confirm the appropriate code selection.Review current CPT guidelines for complete information on coding and reimbursement rules.This information is current as of December 3, 2024.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) modifier would apply to the surgeon performing this procedure.The professional component (26) would apply to the physician’s interpretation and supervision.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office