How To Use CPT Code 29871

CPT 29871 describes a specific arthroscopy procedure performed on the knee joint to address infection. 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 29871?

CPT 29871 is used to describe a surgical arthroscopy procedure performed on the knee joint to address infection. This code is specifically used when the provider examines the tissue inside the knee joint using an arthroscope, washes out the joint, and drains it to clean it of any infected debris.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29871 is: ‘Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for infection, lavage and drainage.’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with code 27369. Additionally, for the implantation of osteochondral graft for the treatment of articular surface defect, other codes such as 27412, 27415, 29866, or 29867 should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Small incisions are made in the knee area to allow for the insertion of the arthroscope.
3. The arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint, and saline solution is instilled to expand the area around the knee joint.
4. The provider uses the camera of the scope to view the entire joint area and assess the suspected area of infection.
5. The joint is thoroughly irrigated to wash out any infected debris, and the fluid is drained.
6. The provider checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29871 is used when the provider performs an arthroscopy procedure on the knee joint specifically to address infection. This code should not be used for other purposes or conditions. It is important to note that code 29871 should not be reported in conjunction with code 27369.

5. When to use CPT code 29871

CPT code 29871 should be used when the provider performs a surgical arthroscopy procedure on the knee joint to address infection. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific details described in the code description. If the procedure performed does not match the description, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 29871, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of infection
• Details of the arthroscopy procedure performed, including the lavage and drainage
• Date of the procedure
• Specific findings during the procedure, such as the presence of infected debris
• 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 29871, ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific details described in the code description. It is important to note that code 29871 should not be reported in conjunction with code 27369. Additionally, if the provider performs a diagnostic arthroscopy and discovers the need for an open repair of a previously unknown condition, both the open repair and the diagnostic arthroscopy can be reported by appending the 59 modifier, Distinct procedural service, to the diagnostic arthroscopy code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 29871 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes arthroscopy of the knee joint for infection. The provider performs lavage and drainage to clean the joint of infected debris.
2. During a surgical procedure, the provider discovers an infection in the knee joint and performs arthroscopy to address the infection. Lavage and drainage are performed to clean the joint.
3. A patient presents with symptoms of knee joint infection. The provider performs arthroscopy, washes out the joint, and drains it to remove infected debris.
4. Following a knee injury, the patient develops an infection in the joint. The provider performs arthroscopy, lavage, and drainage to address the infection.
5. During a diagnostic arthroscopy, the provider identifies an infection in the knee joint and proceeds to perform lavage and drainage to clean the joint.
6. A patient with a known knee joint infection undergoes arthroscopy for treatment. The provider performs lavage and drainage to remove infected debris.
7. Following a knee surgery, the patient develops an infection in the joint. The provider performs arthroscopy, washes out the joint, and drains it to address the infection.
8. A patient with a history of knee joint infection undergoes arthroscopy for maintenance. The provider performs lavage and drainage to ensure the joint is free of infected debris.
9. During a surgical procedure, the provider discovers an infection in the knee joint and performs arthroscopy to address the infection. Lavage and drainage are performed to clean the joint.
10. A patient presents with symptoms of knee joint infection. The provider performs arthroscopy, washes out the joint, and drains it to remove infected debris.