How To Use CPT Code 29866

CPT 29866 describes a specific arthroscopic procedure performed on the knee joint. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29866?

CPT 29866 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called osteochondral autografting, which involves the transplantation of healthy cartilage from one area of the knee to replace damaged tissue. This procedure is performed using an arthroscope, a tubular instrument with a camera that allows the provider to view and repair the cartilage in the knee joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29866 is: ‘Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral autograft(s) (eg, mosaicplasty) (includes harvesting of the autograft[s]).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, as specified in the notes.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making small incisions in the knee area and inserts an arthroscope, which allows them to visualize the inside of the knee joint.
2. Saline solution is then instilled to expand the area around the joint, providing a clearer view.
3. The provider uses additional instruments to harvest plugs of healthy cartilage and subchondral bone from nonweightbearing portions of the knee.
4. These osteochondral autografts are then transplanted into areas with defective cartilage, replacing the damaged tissue.
5. After the transplantation, the provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29866 is used for patients who require osteochondral autografting, a procedure that involves the transplantation of healthy cartilage in the knee joint. This procedure is typically performed on patients with specific knee conditions that result in damaged cartilage. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with certain other codes, as specified in the notes.

5. When to use CPT code 29866

CPT code 29866 should be used when the provider performs an arthroscopic osteochondral autografting procedure on the knee joint. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should not be reported with certain other codes, as specified in the notes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 29866, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific details about the procedure performed, including the use of an arthroscope and the transplantation of osteochondral autografts
• Documentation of the specific areas of the knee where the autografts were harvested and transplanted
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 29866, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should not be reported with certain other codes, as specified in the notes. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by payers or insurance companies.

8. Historical information

CPT code 29866 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2008, which clarified the description of the procedure.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes arthroscopic osteochondral autografting to replace damaged cartilage in their knee joint.
2. A provider performs an arthroscopic procedure to harvest healthy cartilage and transplant it into areas with defective cartilage in a patient’s knee.
3. An individual with a knee condition undergoes an arthroscopic osteochondral autografting procedure to improve joint function and alleviate pain.
4. A provider uses an arthroscope to visualize the knee joint and perform osteochondral autografting to repair damaged cartilage.
5. A patient with a knee injury undergoes arthroscopic osteochondral autografting to restore the integrity of the joint.
6. A provider performs an arthroscopic procedure to remove damaged cartilage and replace it with healthy autografts in a patient’s knee.
7. An individual with a knee condition undergoes an arthroscopic osteochondral autografting procedure to improve their mobility and quality of life.
8. A provider uses an arthroscope to assess and repair cartilage damage in a patient’s knee through osteochondral autografting.
9. A patient with knee pain undergoes arthroscopic osteochondral autografting to address the underlying cause of their symptoms.
10. A provider performs an arthroscopic procedure to transplant healthy cartilage into areas of the knee with defective cartilage, improving joint function for the patient.