How To Use CPT Code 29861

CPT 29861 describes the surgical procedure of arthroscopy for the hip joint, specifically involving the removal of loose or foreign bodies. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29861?

CPT 29861 is used to describe a surgical procedure called arthroscopy, which involves the examination and treatment of the hip joint. In this specific code, the procedure focuses on the removal of loose or foreign bodies from the joint. These loose or foreign bodies can cause pain, inflammation, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and restricted motion in the hip joint. The arthroscopy procedure allows the healthcare provider to visualize the inside of the joint and address these issues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29861 is: ‘Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and sterilization of the hip area.
2. An incision is made in the hip area to allow access to the joint.
3. An arthroscope, a tubular instrument with a fiberoptic light source and camera, is inserted through the incision into the hip joint.
4. Saline solution is instilled into the joint to create space and improve visualization.
5. The provider examines the joint using the arthroscope, identifying any loose or foreign bodies present.
6. Instruments are used to secure and remove the identified loose or foreign bodies.
7. The joint is irrigated to remove any debris or fluid.
8. Bleeding is checked and controlled if necessary.
9. The instruments are removed, and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29861 is used when there is a need to remove loose or foreign bodies from the hip joint. These bodies can include small pieces of broken cartilage or suture anchors from a previous surgical procedure. Patients experiencing pain, inflammation, restricted motion, or other symptoms related to these loose or foreign bodies may be eligible for this procedure. The healthcare provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the necessity of the arthroscopy procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 29861

CPT code 29861 should be used when the healthcare provider performs arthroscopy of the hip joint and removes loose or foreign bodies during the procedure. It is important to note that this code should not be used for diagnostic arthroscopy alone. If the provider performs both diagnostic arthroscopy and open repair of a previously unknown condition, both procedures can be reported by appending the 59 modifier to the diagnostic arthroscopy code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29861, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the presence of loose or foreign bodies
• Details of the arthroscopy procedure, including the specific instruments used
• Incision site and size
• Saline solution instillation and joint visualization
• Description of the removal of loose or foreign bodies
• Irrigation of the joint and control of bleeding
• Closure of the incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29861, ensure that the procedure involves the removal of loose or foreign bodies from the hip joint. It is important to note that a diagnostic arthroscopy or endoscopy code should not be reported with a surgical code. If the provider performs both diagnostic arthroscopy and open repair, the 59 modifier should be appended to the diagnostic arthroscopy code. This code should be reported with the appropriate anesthesia and facility codes, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 29861 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes arthroscopy of the hip joint, and the healthcare provider removes a loose body that was causing pain and restricted motion.
2. During an arthroscopy procedure, the healthcare provider identifies and removes a foreign body that had been causing inflammation and discomfort in the hip joint.
3. A patient with a history of hip surgery undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider removes a suture anchor that had become loose and was causing symptoms.
4. During an arthroscopy procedure, the healthcare provider discovers and removes a small piece of broken cartilage that was causing pain and limited mobility in the hip joint.
5. A patient with a known foreign body in the hip joint undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider successfully removes the foreign body, relieving the patient’s symptoms.
6. During an arthroscopy procedure, the healthcare provider identifies and removes multiple loose bodies from the hip joint, improving the patient’s range of motion and reducing pain.
7. A patient with chronic hip pain undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider removes a foreign body that had been causing inflammation and discomfort.
8. During an arthroscopy procedure, the healthcare provider discovers and removes a loose body that had been causing recurrent episodes of pain and restricted motion in the hip joint.
9. A patient with a history of hip surgery undergoes arthroscopy, and the provider removes a broken piece of cartilage that had been causing ongoing discomfort and limited mobility.
10. During an arthroscopy procedure, the healthcare provider identifies and removes a foreign body that had been causing chronic inflammation and pain in the hip joint.