How To Use CPT Code 29881

CPT 29881 describes a specific surgical procedure performed on the knee joint. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29881?

CPT 29881 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the knee joint. This procedure involves the use of an arthroscope, a tubular instrument with a fiberoptic light source and camera, to examine the inside of the knee joint. The provider then removes the meniscus, a crescent-shaped cartilage cushion, from either the medial or lateral compartments of the knee joint. Additionally, if necessary, the provider may reshape the articular cartilage covering the bony surfaces in either compartment by excising or shaving tissue from its surface. The purpose of this procedure is to relieve pain and improve mobility in the knee joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29881 is: ‘Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. Small incisions are made in the knee area.
3. An arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions into the knee joint.
4. Saline solution is instilled into the area to expand the space around the knee joint.
5. The provider uses the arthroscope to inspect the joint and enters either the medial or lateral compartment to remove the meniscus.
6. If necessary, the provider performs debridement or shaving of the articular cartilage on the bony surface in either compartment.
7. The area is irrigated, checked for bleeding, and any instruments are removed.
8. The incisions are closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29881 is performed on patients who require surgical intervention for knee joint issues. The procedure is typically performed on patients with meniscal tears or other conditions that affect the meniscus or articular cartilage. The provider must determine the need for meniscectomy and chondroplasty based on the patient’s specific condition and symptoms. The procedure can be performed in either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee joint.

5. When to use CPT code 29881

CPT code 29881 should be used when a provider performs arthroscopic surgery on the knee joint, specifically involving meniscectomy and chondroplasty. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed in either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee joint. It is important to note that if the procedure is performed in both compartments of the same knee, CPT code 29880 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 29881, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for meniscectomy and chondroplasty
• Specific compartment (medial or lateral) where the procedure was performed
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of arthroscopy, meniscectomy, and chondroplasty
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 29881, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed in either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee joint. If the procedure was performed in both compartments of the same knee, CPT code 29880 should be used instead. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and coding for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 29881 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a meniscal tear undergoes arthroscopic surgery in the medial compartment of the knee joint, including meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
2. An athlete with a lateral meniscal tear undergoes arthroscopic surgery in the lateral compartment of the knee joint, including meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
3. A patient with degenerative joint disease undergoes arthroscopic surgery in the medial compartment of the knee joint, including meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
4. A middle-aged individual with knee pain and cartilage damage undergoes arthroscopic surgery in the lateral compartment of the knee joint, including meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
5. A patient with a history of knee injuries undergoes arthroscopic surgery in the medial compartment of the knee joint, including meniscectomy and chondroplasty.
6. An older adult with osteoarthritis undergoes arthroscopic surgery in the lateral compartment of the knee joint, including meniscectomy and chondroplasty.