How To Use CPT Code 21060

CPT code 21060 describes the partial or complete meniscectomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a separate procedure. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 21060?

CPT 21060 is a code used to describe the partial or complete meniscectomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a separate procedure. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the meniscus, a thin rubbery cartilage disk that acts as a cushion in the TMJ, to treat conditions such as meniscal tear, injury, ankylosis, or arthritis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 21060 is: ‘Meniscectomy, partial or complete, temporomandibular joint (separate procedure).’ It is important to note that for bilateral procedures, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

3. Procedure

During a meniscectomy of the TMJ, the provider performs the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider reviews any radiological studies of the TMJ done prior to the surgery.
3. A curvilinear incision is made in front of the tragus line, an anatomical landmark in front of the ear.
4. Fascia and underlying muscles are dissected and retracted to expose the TMJ.
5. A rongeur or bone shaver is used to resect the diseased or injured part of the meniscus.
6. The dissected meniscus is removed using surgical forceps.
7. The provider assesses the jaw for satisfactory movement.
8. A bone graft or synthetic graft material may be applied to fill the defect left by the meniscectomy.
9. Bleeding is checked, instruments are removed, and the incision is closed by suturing in a complex layered fashion.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 21060 is performed on patients with conditions that require the removal of the meniscus in the TMJ. These conditions may include meniscal tear, injury, ankylosis, or arthritis. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery or a similar field.

5. When to use CPT code 21060

CPT code 21060 should be used when a provider performs a partial or complete meniscectomy of the TMJ as a separate procedure. It is important to note that this code should only be reported for unilateral procedures. For bilateral procedures, modifier 50 should be appended to indicate that the procedure was performed on both sides.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 21060, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the meniscectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the specific steps performed
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same operative session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 21060, ensure that the procedure performed is a partial or complete meniscectomy of the TMJ as a separate procedure. If the procedure is performed bilaterally, append modifier 50 to indicate bilateral involvement. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 21060 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 21060

There are no similar codes to CPT code 21060 within the range of excision procedures on the head (21011-21070).

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a partial meniscectomy of the TMJ to treat a meniscal tear.
2. A provider performs a complete meniscectomy of the TMJ to address ankylosis.
3. A patient with TMJ arthritis undergoes a partial meniscectomy to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
4. A provider performs a complete meniscectomy of the TMJ as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with TMJ dysfunction.
5. A patient undergoes a partial meniscectomy of the TMJ to address a traumatic injury to the meniscus.
6. A provider performs a complete meniscectomy of the TMJ to treat severe arthritis that has not responded to conservative management.
7. A patient with ankylosis of the TMJ undergoes a partial meniscectomy to improve jaw movement and function.
8. A provider performs a complete meniscectomy of the TMJ to address chronic pain and limited jaw mobility.
9. A patient with TMJ arthritis undergoes a partial meniscectomy to reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
10. A provider performs a complete meniscectomy of the TMJ to treat a degenerative meniscal tear.