How To Use CPT Code 29889

CPT 29889 describes the arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction procedure. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 29889?

CPT 29889 is a code used to describe a specific surgical procedure called arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction. This procedure involves the examination and repair of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the knee joint using an arthroscope. The provider may also use tissue from elsewhere in the knee or a donor source to complete the repair. The goal of this procedure is to relieve pain and improve mobility in the knee joint.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 29889 is: ‘Arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Small incisions are made in the knee area to allow for the insertion of an arthroscope.
3. A saline solution is instilled to inflate the area around the knee joint and improve visibility.
4. The provider uses the arthroscope to identify and repair the tear in the posterior cruciate ligament.
5. If necessary, tissue is harvested from another tendon in the knee or a donor graft is used to complete the repair.
6. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 29889 is performed on patients who have a tear in their posterior cruciate ligament that requires repair or augmentation. The procedure is typically performed by a provider who is skilled in arthroscopic techniques. The use of tissue from elsewhere in the knee or a donor source may be necessary to complete the repair. This procedure is intended to relieve pain and improve mobility in the knee joint.

5. When to use CPT code 29889

CPT code 29889 should be used when the provider performs an arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction procedure. This code should not be used for other procedures or repairs in the knee joint. It is important to accurately document the specific procedure performed to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 29889, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis indicating the need for posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of arthroscopic techniques and any tissue grafts used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end times of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or repairs performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 29889, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria for arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided during the same session. Modifier 80 may be appended to indicate the use of an assistant surgeon, if applicable. Review payer guidelines for any specific requirements or restrictions related to billing for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 29889 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 provider performs an arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair for a patient who has a tear in their PCL.
2. An athlete undergoes arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament augmentation to improve stability in their knee joint.
3. A patient with a chronic PCL tear undergoes arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a donor graft.
4. A provider performs arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair and also addresses a meniscal tear during the same procedure.
5. A patient with a history of knee instability undergoes arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair to improve joint function.
6. A provider performs arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using tissue harvested from another tendon in the patient’s knee.
7. An individual who sustained a sports-related injury undergoes arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair to restore knee stability.
8. A patient with a chronic PCL tear undergoes arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament augmentation to improve joint function.
9. A provider performs arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair and also addresses a chondral defect in the knee joint.
10. An athlete undergoes arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to return to their sport after a knee injury.