How To Use CPT Code 29880

CPT 29880 refers to an arthroscopic knee surgery involving meniscectomy and chondroplasty. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, billing guidelines, documentation requirements, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 29880.

1. What is CPT 29880?

CPT 29880 is a medical procedure code used to describe an arthroscopic knee surgery that involves the removal of damaged meniscus (medial and lateral) and the debridement or shaving of articular cartilage, also known as chondroplasty. This code is used by healthcare providers to accurately document and bill for this specific surgical procedure.

2. 29880 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 29880 is: “Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed.”

3. Procedure

The CPT 29880 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. Two to three small incisions are made on either side of the patellar tendon over the knee joint.
3. A pen-sized camera (arthroscope) is inserted through one of the incisions to visualize the joint.
4. Surgical instruments are inserted through the second incision to perform the meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
5. Fluid may be introduced through the third incision to expand the joint for better visualization.
6. The provider performs arthroscopy, examining the knee joint and assessing the integrity of the meniscus.
7. Torn meniscal fragments are removed from both the medial and lateral compartments using surgical instruments such as a motorized cutter and scissors.
8. Shaving of the remaining menisci is performed.
9. The provider examines the articular cartilage in the same or separate compartments and performs chondroplasty if required.
10. All instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed and covered with bandages.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 29880 services are those who have been diagnosed with a knee joint issue that requires arthroscopic meniscectomy and chondroplasty. This may include patients with a torn meniscus, damaged articular cartilage, or other knee joint abnormalities that can be addressed through this procedure. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, including a physical examination and imaging studies, is necessary to determine the appropriateness of this procedure for each patient.

5. When to use CPT code 29880

It is appropriate to bill CPT 29880 when the provider performs an arthroscopic knee surgery involving meniscectomy (removal of damaged meniscus from both medial and lateral compartments) and chondroplasty (debridement or shaving of articular cartilage) in the same or separate compartments. This code should be used only when the procedure is performed as described and documented in the patient’s medical record.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29880, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• Patient’s medical history and physical examination findings
• Diagnostic imaging studies, such as MRI or X-ray, indicating the need for the procedure
• Preoperative diagnosis and indication for the surgery
• Detailed description of the surgical procedure, including the steps performed and instruments used
• Postoperative diagnosis and any complications encountered during the surgery
• Follow-up care plan and instructions provided to the patient

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29880, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines and rules set forth by the payer. This may include submitting the claim with the appropriate diagnosis codes, modifiers, and supporting documentation. Additionally, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with any changes to the CPT code set or payer policies that may affect the billing of this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 29880 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2012, with the previous descriptor being “Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving).”

9. Similar codes to CPT 29880

Five similar codes to CPT 29880 and how they differ are:

1. CPT 29881: This code is used when the provider performs arthroscopic meniscectomy in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee with debridement of articular cartilage in the same or separate compartments.
2. CPT 29882: This code is used when the provider performs arthroscopic meniscal repair in the medial or lateral compartment of the knee.
3. CPT 29883: This code is used when the provider performs arthroscopic meniscal repair in both the medial and lateral compartments of the knee.
4. CPT 29884: This code is used when the provider performs arthroscopic chondroplasty without meniscectomy or meniscal repair.
5. CPT 29888: This code is used when the provider performs arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 29880 procedures:

1. A patient with a torn medial and lateral meniscus and damaged articular cartilage undergoes arthroscopic meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
2. A patient with chronic knee pain and instability due to meniscal tears and cartilage damage undergoes CPT 29880 surgery to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.
3. A patient with a history of knee injuries and degenerative changes undergoes CPT 29880 to address both meniscal and cartilage damage.
4. A patient with a complex knee injury involving multiple compartments undergoes CPT 29880 to address meniscal and cartilage damage in the same or separate compartments.
5. A patient with a history of failed conservative treatment for meniscal and cartilage damage undergoes CPT 29880 to improve knee function and reduce pain.
6. A patient with a sports-related knee injury involving both meniscal and cartilage damage undergoes CPT 29880 to restore joint function and facilitate recovery.
7. A patient with a degenerative knee condition and significant meniscal and cartilage damage undergoes CPT 29880 to address the joint abnormalities and improve quality of life.
8. A patient with a traumatic knee injury involving meniscal tears and cartilage damage undergoes CPT 29880 to repair the joint and prevent further complications.
9. A patient with a history of recurrent knee pain and instability due to meniscal and cartilage damage undergoes CPT 29880 to address the underlying joint issues and improve function.
10. A patient with a complex knee injury involving multiple structures, including meniscal and cartilage damage, undergoes CPT 29880 to address the joint abnormalities and facilitate recovery.