Right medial meniscectomy and tricompartmental chondroplasty: Under CPT rules, you would report code 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving]) and code 29877-59 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty]).

What is the difference between CPT 29881 and 29882?

Modifier 59 is appended to CPT code 29881 to indicate a distinct separate procedure in a different anatomic location (lateral repair vs medial meniscectomy). Although CPT code 29882 does not bundle the chondroplasty, CPT code 29881 precludes the reporting of the chondroplasty in the patellofemoral compartment.

Can CPT code 29876 and 29881 be billed together?

Simple documentation, however, does not automatically allow reporting of both the major synovectomy code 29876 and the meniscectomy code 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical, with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving] including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty], same or

What is the CPT code for meniscal repair?

Meniscus repair has two arthroscopic codes and one open code. Code 29882 is for “arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial OR lateral).” Code 29883 is for “arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial AND lateral).” The open code, 27403, is for “arthrotomy with meniscus repair, knee.”

Is CPT 29881 considered experimental?

For example, Aetna’s Clinical Policy Bulletin #0673 changed how ASCs approach meniscectomy cases – procedures billed via CPT codes 29880 and 29881. From Aetna’s perspective, meniscectomies billed without a current injury diagnosis are deemed experimental and investigational (not reimbursable).

Does CPT code 29881 include chondroplasty?

Chondroplasty performed in any of the compartment like medial, lateral or patella-femoral, it will be included with CPT code 29881 and 29880.In arthroscopic knee surgery, the above three compartment play an important role in selecting a correct procedure code.

Can CPT code 29881 and 29882 be billed together?

I see CMS has an NCCI edit between the two codes, 29881 and 29882. Answer: Yes, you may report both codes and append modifier 59 to indicate the procedures were performed on different anatomic sites. CPT, AAOS, and NCCI consider the compartments of the knee to be distinct anatomic structures.

Can you bill 29881 and G0289 together?

HCPCS code G0289 may be reported in addition to CPT® code 29880, Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (media AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving) or CPT® code 29881, Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial or lateral, including any meniscal shaving)if performed in a separate compartment

Can CPT code 29881 and 29875 be billed together?

Both procedures code 29881 and 29875 were performed on the same anatomically related region (knee); therefore, 29875 cannot be reported with 29881 and the use of modifier 59 is not supported. As a result, reimbursement is not recommended.

What is the CPT code for rotator cuff repair?

Use code 23410 for repair of an acute rupture of the rotator cuff and code 23412 for repair of a chronic rotator cuff injury.

What is the CPT code for knee arthroscopy?

Report CPT code 29877 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chrondroplasty]) for arthroscopic debridement with presentation of knee pain only, or arthroscopic debridement without lavage for patients with severe osteoarthritis.

What is a distinct procedural service?

Modifier 59 Distinct Procedural Service indicates that a procedure is separate and distinct from another procedure on the same date of service. Typically, this modifier is applied to a procedure code that is not ordinarily paid separately from the first procedure but should be paid per the specifics of the situation.

Does 29881 include synovectomy?

For example, consider a three-compartment synovectomy, with medial meniscectomy on the same knee. Here, we’d report the medial meniscectomy (29881), which includes the medial synovectomy.

How do you code a meniscus tear?

When coding for meniscal tears, you’ll either use the S codes for acute injuries, or the M codes for chronic ones. S codes encompass S83. 20-S83. 289, and the M codes fall under M23.

What is included in CPT 29823?

CPT 29823 — Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, extensive, 3 or more discrete structures (e.g., humeral bone, humeral articular cartilage, glenoid bone, glenoid articular cartilage, biceps tendon, biceps anchor complex, labrum, articular capsule, articular side of the rotator cuff, bursal side of the rotator

What is arthroplasty in surgery?

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint. A joint can be restored by resurfacing the bones. An artificial joint (called a prosthesis) may also be used. Various types of arthritis may affect the joints.

How is arthroscopy used to treat injuries?

During the procedure, your doctor will insert a tool called an arthroscope into your joint through several small cuts to see how much damage is in the joint. They can also repair many injuries during arthroscopy.

What is the CPT code for ACL debridement?

9. Arthroscopic debridement of ACL tears should be reported with the unlisted code 29999.