How To Use CPT Code 29867

CPT 29867 describes the surgical procedure of arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft, specifically the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage from a donor source to replace damaged tissue in the knee joint. 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 29867?

CPT 29867 is used to describe a surgical procedure called arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft. This procedure involves the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage from a donor source to replace damaged tissue in the knee joint. It is performed to alleviate pain and improve the range of motion in patients with knee joint issues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29867 is: ‘Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral allograft (eg, mosaicplasty).’ This code should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 27570, 29870, 29871, 29875, 29884, 29874, 29877, 29879, 29885-29887, or 27415.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making small incisions in the knee area after the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An arthroscope, a tubular instrument with a fiberoptic light source and camera, is inserted through one of the incisions into the knee joint.
3. The provider instills saline solution to expand the area around the joint and uses the camera of the scope to view the entire knee joint area.
4. Additional instruments are inserted to transplant osteochondral allografts into areas with defective cartilage.
5. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29867 is performed on patients who require the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage to replace damaged tissue in the knee joint. This procedure is typically indicated for individuals experiencing pain and limited range of motion due to knee joint issues. It is important to note that CPT 29867 should not be reported with certain other codes, as mentioned in the official description.

5. When to use CPT code 29867

CPT code 29867 should be used when a provider performs arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft, specifically the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage in the knee joint. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description and that it is not performed in conjunction with the excluded codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29867, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for osteochondral allograft
• Details of the surgical technique used, including the specific instruments and materials
• Date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-operative care instructions and follow-up plans
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29867, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with certain other codes, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, consider the guidelines and restrictions set by the patient’s insurance provider regarding the use of surgical assistants during the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 29867 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft to replace damaged cartilage in the knee joint.
2. A professional athlete receives a surgical procedure involving the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage in the knee joint to improve performance and alleviate pain.
3. An individual with a history of knee joint issues undergoes arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft to restore mobility and reduce discomfort.
4. A patient with a previous knee injury undergoes a surgical procedure to replace damaged cartilage with a healthy osteochondral allograft.
5. An elderly individual with degenerative knee joint disease undergoes arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft to improve their quality of life and reduce pain.
6. A young adult with a congenital knee joint condition undergoes a surgical procedure involving the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage to enhance joint function.
7. A patient with a history of knee joint trauma undergoes arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft to restore stability and alleviate pain.
8. An individual with a chronic knee joint condition undergoes a surgical procedure to replace damaged cartilage with a healthy osteochondral allograft.
9. A middle-aged person with knee joint degeneration undergoes arthroscopy for osteochondral allograft to improve their mobility and reduce discomfort.
10. A patient with a sports-related knee injury undergoes a surgical procedure involving the transplantation of healthy articular cartilage to restore joint function and alleviate pain.