© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27332 involves an arthrotomy, which is a surgical incision into the knee joint, accompanied by the excision of semilunar cartilage, commonly known as a meniscectomy. This procedure is indicated for patients with a torn meniscus that is deemed irreparable, particularly when the tear extends into the non-vascular region of the meniscus where healing is unlikely to occur even with repair attempts. The meniscus is a crucial structure in the knee, providing cushioning and stability, and tears can lead to significant pain and functional impairment. During the procedure, a skin incision is made over the knee joint, allowing access to the joint capsule. The surgeon carefully dissects the surrounding tissues to expose the joint capsule, which is then opened to facilitate a thorough examination of the knee joint. The joint is flushed with saline solution to clear any debris, and the extent of the meniscal tear is assessed. The damaged portion of the meniscus is meticulously resected using various surgical instruments, ensuring that only the affected tissue is removed while preserving as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible. The remaining meniscus is smoothed to promote optimal healing and function. If necessary, tears in both the medial and lateral compartments of the knee can be addressed during the same surgical session. After the procedure, the joint capsule and surrounding tissues are closed in layers, and a compressive dressing is applied to support the healing process. This code is specifically used when only one meniscus, either medial or lateral, is resected, while a different code (CPT® 27333) is used when both menisci are involved.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure consists of several key steps that ensure effective excision of the damaged meniscus:
After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include pain management, physical therapy, and instructions for activity modification to facilitate healing. Patients are advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess recovery and determine when they can safely resume normal activities. The application of a compressive dressing helps reduce swelling and provides support to the knee joint during the initial recovery phase.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF KNEE CARTILAGE | Medium Descr | ARTHRT W/EXC SEMILUNAR CRTLG KNEE MEDIAL/LAT | Long Descr | Arthrotomy, with excision of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) knee; medial OR lateral | 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) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 151 - Excision of semilunar cartilage of knee |
| 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). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.