CPT Code 29881: Knee Arthroscopy with Meniscectomy (Medial or Lateral)

What is arthroscopic meniscectomy?

CPT code 29881 refers to a surgical knee arthroscopy involving partial meniscectomy of the medial or lateral meniscus. During this surgical intervention, the surgeon uses a small camera and instruments to remove damaged meniscal tissue, helping to relieve knee pain and restore joint function.

This arthroscopic procedure is typically performed to treat a torn meniscus and may include meniscal shaving or debridement of articular cartilage. In some cases, it also involves arthroscopic debridement to clean up damaged tissue and improve mobility. CPT 29881 applies to only one compartment of the knee joint; if both compartments are treated in the same knee, additional codes such as CPT 29880 may be required.

Documentation requirements

To support proper coding and reimbursement for the 29881 CPT code, documentation must clearly describe the procedure performed and the clinical need. Key elements include:

• Indication for surgery (e.g., knee pain, torn meniscus, or failed physical therapy).
• Detailed operative report describing the arthroscopic procedure, including which knee joint compartment (medial or lateral) was treated.
• Confirmation of partial meniscectomy and whether any meniscal shaving or debridement shaving of articular cartilage was performed.
• Anatomic location (e.g., right knee) and whether multiple procedures were done during the same session.
• Notes on other surgical knee arthroscopy (e.g., synovial biopsy, loose body removal) if performed, and whether in a separate compartment.
• Direct visualization method used (arthroscope or small camera).
• Medical necessity is clearly stated by the healthcare provider, especially if the procedure is a repeat intervention.
• Distinction between diagnostic arthroscopy and surgical knee arthroscopy, if both were performed.

Accurate documentation ensures proper use of knee arthroscopy codes, avoids claim denials, and supports compliance with American Medical Association and payer guidelines.

Billing guidelines

Billing for CPT 29881 requires clarity on the type of knee arthroscopy performed and careful attention to payer-specific rules. Here's what healthcare providers should know:

Report per compartment

• CPT code 29881 covers a surgical knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy (medial or lateral), not both.
• If both compartments are treated (e.g., medial and lateral meniscectomy), use CPT 29880 instead.

Multiple procedures

• When additional arthroscopic procedures (e.g., shaving of articular cartilage, synovial biopsy, or loose body removal) are done in a separate compartment, they may be reported separately.
• Modifier -59 or XS is required to indicate procedures were done in different compartments of the knee joint during the same session.

Diagnostic vs. surgical arthroscopy

• If a diagnostic arthroscopy is followed by therapeutic intervention (e.g., partial meniscectomy), only the surgical procedure (29881) is billable, not both.

Bundled services

• Procedures like abrasion arthroplasty, meniscal shaving, including debridement, or shaving of articular cartilage in the same compartment are considered bundled with 29881.
• Use modifiers cautiously and only when supported by documentation in the operative report.

Other considerations

• Small volume saline irrigation and direct visualization tools are considered standard and not separately billable.
• Verify medical necessity through physical therapy failure, knee pain, or imaging that confirms a torn meniscus.

Following American Medical Association coding guidance and payer policies helps ensure accurate reimbursement for arthroscopy knee surgical procedures.