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A diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip, as described by CPT® Code 29860, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows for direct visualization of the hip joint. This procedure is performed to assess the underlying causes of hip pain and functional limitations, particularly when nonspecific findings are present on radiological imaging. The term 'arthroscopy' refers to the use of an arthroscope, a specialized instrument equipped with a camera, which is inserted into the joint through small incisions. This enables the physician to examine the internal structures of the hip joint in real-time. The procedure may also include a synovial biopsy, where tissue samples from the synovial membrane are collected for further laboratory analysis. The use of fluoroscopic guidance during the procedure aids in the accurate placement of instruments and enhances the overall effectiveness of the evaluation. The small incisions made during the procedure typically result in less postoperative pain and quicker recovery compared to open surgical techniques.
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The diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip is indicated for various conditions and symptoms that warrant a detailed examination of the hip joint. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The procedure for diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip involves several key steps that ensure a thorough evaluation of the joint. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the diagnostic arthroscopy, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling in the hip area. Post-procedure care typically includes rest, ice application to reduce swelling, and pain management as needed. Patients are usually advised to follow up with their physician to discuss the findings from the procedure and any further treatment options based on the results of the examination and any biopsies taken. Recovery time may vary, but many patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing responses.
| Short Descr | HIP ARTHROSCOPY DX | Medium Descr | ARTHROSCOPY HIP DIAGNOSTIC W/WO SYNOVIAL BYP SPX | Long Descr | Arthroscopy, hip, diagnostic with or without synovial biopsy (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) | P8A - Endoscopy - arthroscopy | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 149 - Arthroscopy |
| RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 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. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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Notes
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
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