How To Use CPT Code 29887

CPT 29887 describes a specific arthroscopic procedure performed on the knee joint to treat intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions. This article will provide an overview of the code, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29887?

CPT 29887 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed arthroscopically on the knee joint. It specifically involves drilling for intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions with internal fixation. This procedure aims to relieve pain and improve mobility in the joint by encouraging the growth of healthy tissue in the damaged cartilage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29887 is: ‘Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; drilling for intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion with internal fixation.’

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. Saline solution is instilled to inflate the area around the knee joint, improving the provider’s field of view.
4. The provider identifies intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions, where the cartilage is cracked but not yet separated from the bone.
5. A drill is inserted, and multiple holes are drilled in the damaged cartilage to encourage the growth of new tissue.
6. Screws are then inserted to secure the cartilage to the underlying bone.
7. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29887 is performed on patients with intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions in the knee joint. These lesions occur when the cartilage layer separates from the end of the bone following an injury. The procedure is intended to treat these specific lesions and is performed using arthroscopic techniques.

5. When to use CPT code 29887

CPT code 29887 should be used when a provider performs the described arthroscopic procedure for drilling intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions with internal fixation in the knee joint. It is important to accurately document the specific procedure performed and ensure that it aligns with the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29887, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions in the knee joint
• Details of the arthroscopic procedure performed, including drilling for the lesions and internal fixation
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or findings during the procedure
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29887, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description of the code. The provider should also follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is crucial to accurately report the code and any applicable modifiers to indicate the side of the knee joint involved, if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT code 29887 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 undergoes arthroscopic drilling for an intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion with internal fixation in their right knee joint.
2. A provider performs the described procedure on a patient with an intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion in their left knee joint.
3. During the arthroscopic procedure, the provider identifies and drills multiple holes in the damaged cartilage of a patient’s knee joint to encourage new tissue growth.
4. A provider performs the described procedure on a patient with intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions in both knee joints.
5. A patient undergoes arthroscopic drilling for an intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion with internal fixation in their left knee joint.
6. The provider performs the described procedure on a patient with an intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion in their right knee joint.
7. During the arthroscopic procedure, the provider drills multiple holes in the damaged cartilage of a patient’s right knee joint to promote the growth of healthy tissue.
8. A provider performs the described procedure on a patient with intact osteochondritis dissecans lesions in both knee joints.
9. A patient undergoes arthroscopic drilling for an intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion with internal fixation in their right knee joint.
10. The provider performs the described procedure on a patient with an intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion in their left knee joint.