2025 CPT code 29905
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopy of the subtalar joint with synovectomy.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 may be appended if performed with other procedures, and modifier 76 if the procedure is a repeat procedure by the same physician.
Medical necessity for subtalar arthroscopy with synovectomy is established when conservative treatment (e.g., physical therapy, medication) fails to provide adequate pain relief and improve joint function.The procedure is indicated to address symptoms related to synovitis.
The orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist is responsible for performing the arthroscopy, ensuring proper patient positioning, creating portals, inserting the arthroscope and instruments, visualizing the joint, performing the synovectomy, and closing the incisions.
In simple words: The doctor uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) and small incisions to look inside the subtalar joint (in the heel) and remove inflamed tissue. This is a minimally invasive procedure.
This procedure involves an arthroscopic examination of the subtalar joint (talocalcaneal joint) followed by the removal of inflamed synovial tissue (synovectomy).The surgeon makes small incisions (portals) near the joint, inserts an arthroscope (a small camera) to visualize the joint, and uses surgical instruments through other portals to remove the diseased synovium.The incisions are then closed.
Example 1: A patient presents with chronic subtalar joint pain and swelling following a previous ankle sprain.Arthroscopy reveals inflamed synovium.Synovectomy is performed to alleviate pain and restore joint function., An athlete experiences recurrent subtalar joint pain limiting their athletic performance. Arthroscopic examination shows synovitis.Synovectomy is performed to improve mobility and reduce pain, allowing return to sports., A patient presents with post-traumatic subtalar joint stiffness and limited range of motion. Arthroscopy reveals intra-articular adhesions and inflamed synovium.Synovectomy and lysis of adhesions are performed to improve mobility and reduce pain.
* Preoperative history and physical examination including documentation of symptoms and limitations.* Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other pathology.* Operative report detailing the procedure, findings, and complications (if any).* Postoperative instructions and follow-up plan.
** Thorough documentation is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.The size and location of the synovitis should be documented in the operative report.If other procedures are performed during the same session, they should be coded separately, with appropriate modifiers if needed.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Refer to the CMS fee schedule or other relevant resources for RVU data.
- Global Days : The global period information for this code is not available in the provided text.Refer to the CPT manual or other relevant resources for this information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Refer to CPT guidelines for technical component (TC) modifier rules applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule information is not available in the provided data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatry
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office