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A surgical arthroscopy of the hip, designated by CPT® Code 29862, involves a minimally invasive procedure that allows for the examination and treatment of various hip joint conditions. This procedure is characterized by the use of an arthroscope, a specialized instrument equipped with a camera that provides visual access to the internal structures of the hip joint. The primary objectives of this arthroscopy include the debridement and/or shaving of the articular cartilage, known as chondroplasty, as well as the performance of abrasion arthroplasty and/or resection of the labrum. These interventions are typically indicated for patients suffering from degenerative diseases affecting the articular cartilage, injuries to the articular cartilage, or tears in the labrum. During the procedure, a small incision is made on the lateral side of the hip joint to facilitate the introduction of the arthroscope, while an additional anterolateral incision is created for the insertion of surgical instruments. Additional incisions may be made as necessary to enhance visualization and access to the hip joint structures. The use of fluoroscopic guidance is integral to the procedure, allowing for precise placement of a catheter into the hip joint, through which sterile saline is introduced to create space within the joint for better visibility and access. The arthroscope is then inserted, enabling the surgeon to thoroughly examine the joint for any signs of injury or disease. Chondroplasty is performed to remove damaged cartilage, ensuring a smooth and stable surface for optimal joint function. In cases where abrasion arthroplasty is indicated, a burr is utilized to remove tissue from the femoral head and neck, as well as the acetabulum, to a depth of approximately 1 mm. This technique promotes healing by allowing the bone to exude substances that can replace the lost cartilage. If a labral tear is identified, it may be resected using arthroscopic shaver blades or radiofrequency energy, which helps to remove torn tissue and smooth the damaged labrum. Alternatively, the labrum can be repaired by passing sutures through the labral tissue and anchoring them to the bone with bone anchors. Upon completion of the procedure, the arthroscope and instruments are withdrawn, the joint is flushed with sterile saline, and the portal incisions are closed, marking the end of the surgical intervention.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 29862 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of the hip joint conditions:
After the completion of the arthroscopic procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve monitoring for any signs of complications, managing pain, and following rehabilitation protocols. Post-procedure care typically includes rest, ice application to reduce swelling, and gradual reintroduction of movement and weight-bearing activities as advised by the healthcare provider. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and determine the appropriate timeline for resuming normal activities. It is essential for patients to adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare team to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
| Short Descr | HIP ARTHR0 W/DEBRIDEMENT | Medium Descr | ARTHRS HIP DEBRIDEMENT/SHAVING ARTICULAR CRTLG | Long Descr | Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), abrasion arthroplasty, and/or resection of labrum | 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 |
| RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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. | 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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). | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | 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.) | 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). | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | F7 | Right hand, third 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 | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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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