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The CPT® Code 21060 refers to a surgical procedure known as a meniscectomy, which can be either partial or complete, specifically performed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is distinct from other surgical interventions that may be performed in conjunction with it. The meniscus is a crucial structure within the TMJ, serving as a cushion and facilitating smooth movement of the joint. During the meniscectomy, the physician makes an incision near the ear to access the joint. Once the meniscus is exposed, a clamp is applied to it, allowing the surgeon to excise all or part of the meniscus as necessary. After the excision, the space left behind may be filled with adjacent tissue or a prosthetic disc to restore function and stability to the joint. Finally, the incision is meticulously closed using layered sutures to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 21060 is indicated for various conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, particularly those involving the meniscus. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing a meniscectomy:
The meniscectomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the temporomandibular joint. The following procedural steps are outlined:
Post-procedure care following a meniscectomy of the temporomandibular joint is essential for ensuring proper recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications following the surgery. Pain management may be necessary, and the physician may prescribe analgesics to alleviate discomfort. Patients are advised to follow specific instructions regarding diet, activity level, and oral hygiene to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing process and to determine if any additional interventions are required. Rehabilitation exercises may also be recommended to restore function and mobility to the joint as the patient recovers.
| Short Descr | REMOVE JAW JOINT CARTILAGE | Medium Descr | MENISCECTOMY PRTL/COMPL TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JT SPX | Long Descr | Meniscectomy, partial or complete, temporomandibular joint (separate procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 164 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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