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A surgical arthroscopy of the hip, as described by CPT® Code 29861, is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at addressing issues within the hip joint, specifically the removal of loose bodies or foreign objects. Loose bodies may arise from trauma, leading to the detachment of cartilage fragments that can float freely within the joint space. These fragments can interfere with normal hip movement, resulting in pain and decreased mobility for the patient. The procedure begins with the creation of a small incision on the lateral side of the hip, which serves as the entry point for the arthroscope—a specialized instrument equipped with a camera that allows for visualization of the internal structures of the hip joint. Additional incisions may be made as necessary to facilitate access and visualization of the joint components. The use of fluoroscopic guidance enhances the precision of the procedure, allowing for the effective placement of a catheter into the hip joint. This catheter is used to introduce sterile saline, which helps to distract the joint and improve visibility. Once the joint is adequately distended, the arthroscope is inserted, enabling the surgeon to thoroughly examine the joint for any signs of injury or disease. The surgeon can then locate and retrieve any loose or foreign bodies using an arthroscopic grasper. After the procedure is completed, the arthroscope and instruments are removed, the joint is flushed with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness, and the portal incisions are closed to promote healing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 29861 is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to loose bodies or foreign objects within the hip joint. These indications may include:
The procedure for arthroscopy of the hip with removal of loose or foreign bodies involves several key steps:
After the arthroscopy procedure is completed, patients may be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care typically includes recommendations for rest and limited weight-bearing on the affected hip to promote healing. Patients may also be advised on pain management strategies, which could include the use of ice packs and prescribed medications. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and to determine if further rehabilitation or physical therapy is necessary to restore full function and mobility to the hip joint.
| Short Descr | HIP ARTHRO W/FB REMOVAL | Medium Descr | ARTHROSCOPY HIP SURGICAL W/REMOVAL LOOSE/FB | Long Descr | Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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. | Endoscopic Base Code | 29860 Arthroscopy, hip, diagnostic with or without synovial biopsy (separate 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 | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
| 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). | 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 | 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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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
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