How To Use CPT Code 29835

CPT 29835 describes a specific arthroscopy procedure performed on the elbow joint. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29835?

CPT 29835 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called synovectomy, partial, performed through arthroscopy on the elbow joint. This procedure involves the examination and repair of the membrane between the bony surfaces and the joint capsule. The provider uses an arthroscope, a tubular instrument with a fiberoptic light source and camera, to view the inside of the joint and excise a portion of inflamed synovial tissue causing pain and limited motion for the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29835 is: ‘Arthroscopy, elbow, surgical; synovectomy, partial.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient for the procedure.
2. Small incisions are made in the elbow area to allow access for the arthroscope and other instruments.
3. The arthroscope is inserted into the elbow joint, and saline solution is instilled to expand the area for better visualization.
4. The provider uses the camera of the arthroscope to view the entire elbow joint and identifies the inflamed portion of the synovial membrane.
5. Additional instruments are inserted through the incisions to excise the inflamed synovial tissue.
6. The area is irrigated, checked for bleeding, and any instruments are removed.
7. The incisions are closed, and the procedure is completed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29835 is performed on patients who have inflamed synovial tissue in the elbow joint, causing pain and limited motion. The procedure is typically indicated when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. It is important to note that CPT 29835 should not be reported with a diagnostic arthroscopy code, as it is a surgical procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 29835

CPT code 29835 should be used when a provider performs a partial synovectomy through arthroscopy on the elbow joint. It is important to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and meets the specific criteria for this code. It should not be used for diagnostic purposes or when performing a complete synovectomy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29835, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the patient’s symptoms
• Details of the arthroscopic procedure, including the specific instruments used
• Description of the synovial tissue excised and any additional findings
• Procedure start and end times
• Any complications or unexpected events during the procedure
• Post-procedure instructions and follow-up plans
• Provider’s signature and credentials

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29835, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria for this code. It should not be reported with a diagnostic arthroscopy code. It is important to follow the correct coding guidelines and modifiers if applicable. For example, if the provider performs an open repair in addition to the diagnostic arthroscopy, the 59 modifier may be appended to the diagnostic arthroscopy code to indicate a distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

CPT 29835 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. Examples

1. A patient with chronic elbow pain undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider performs a partial synovectomy to alleviate the symptoms.
2. An athlete with limited range of motion in the elbow joint undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider identifies and excises inflamed synovial tissue to improve mobility.
3. A patient with a history of elbow injury experiences persistent swelling and discomfort, leading to the performance of arthroscopy and a partial synovectomy.
4. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis presents with severe elbow joint inflammation, and the provider performs arthroscopy with a partial synovectomy to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
5. A patient with a history of repetitive strain injury in the elbow undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider identifies and removes inflamed synovial tissue to promote healing and reduce symptoms.
6. A patient with a known synovial disorder in the elbow joint undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider performs a partial synovectomy to manage the condition and prevent further complications.
7. An individual with a history of elbow trauma experiences persistent pain and limited mobility, leading to the performance of arthroscopy and a partial synovectomy to address the underlying issue.
8. A patient with a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the elbow joint undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider performs a partial synovectomy to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
9. An individual with a history of elbow joint infections presents with recurrent swelling and discomfort, leading to the performance of arthroscopy and a partial synovectomy to address the underlying infection and promote healing.
10. A patient with a known synovial cyst in the elbow joint undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider performs a partial synovectomy to remove the cyst and alleviate associated symptoms.