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CPT®
29880

CPT® Code 29880

Official Description

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 29880 refers to a surgical procedure known as arthroscopy of the knee, specifically involving a meniscectomy that includes both the medial and lateral menisci. A meniscectomy is a surgical intervention performed to remove a torn meniscus, which is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia. This procedure is typically indicated when the tear is located in the non-vascular region of the meniscus, where it is unlikely to heal naturally, even with repair attempts. The procedure begins with the creation of small incisions, known as portal incisions, on both the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint. An arthroscope, a specialized instrument equipped with a camera, is inserted through one of these portals to visualize the internal structures of the knee. A cannula is then introduced through a second portal to facilitate the flushing of the joint with saline solution, which helps in cleaning the area and providing a clearer view of the knee's condition. The surgeon examines the knee for any signs of disease, injury, or infection, and locates the torn meniscus. The extent of the tear is assessed using a small hook, and the damaged portion of the meniscus is carefully resected and removed using various instruments such as basket forceps, motorized shavers, scissors, or knives. The procedure also includes debridement of the remaining meniscus to ensure smooth edges and may involve chondroplasty, which is the shaving or smoothing of the articular cartilage to enhance joint function. If tears are present in both the medial and lateral compartments, the surgeon addresses the second compartment in a similar manner. After the completion of the procedure, all instruments are removed, the incisions are closed, and a compressive dressing is applied to support the knee during recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 29880 is indicated for patients presenting with specific conditions related to the knee joint, particularly involving the meniscus. The following indications are explicitly associated with this procedure:

  • Torn Meniscus - A meniscus tear that cannot be repaired, particularly those extending into the non-vascular region where healing is unlikely.
  • Joint Pain - Persistent knee pain that may be associated with meniscal injury or degeneration.
  • Swelling and Inflammation - Symptoms of swelling and inflammation in the knee joint that may indicate underlying meniscal damage.
  • Mechanical Symptoms - Symptoms such as locking, catching, or instability in the knee that suggest meniscal pathology.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 29880 involves several detailed steps to ensure effective treatment of the meniscal tear. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Portal Incision Creation - The surgeon begins by making small incisions on the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint to create access points for the arthroscope and instruments.
  • Introduction of Arthroscope - An arthroscope is inserted through one of the portal incisions, allowing the surgeon to visualize the internal structures of the knee joint on a monitor.
  • Insertion of Cannula - A cannula is introduced through a second portal to facilitate the flushing of the knee joint with saline solution, which helps to clear debris and improve visibility.
  • Joint Examination - The knee is thoroughly examined for signs of disease, injury, or infection, and the torn meniscus is located and assessed for the extent of the damage.
  • Resection of Torn Meniscus - The damaged portion of the meniscus is resected and removed using instruments such as basket forceps, motorized shavers, scissors, or knives, ensuring that only the affected tissue is excised.
  • Debridement of Remaining Meniscus - The edges of the remaining meniscus are debrided and smoothed using a motorized shaver to promote healing and restore joint function.
  • Chondroplasty (if applicable) - If necessary, the articular cartilage may be debrided using a motorized shaver to smooth the joint surfaces in one or both compartments.
  • Closure of Incisions - Upon completion of the procedure, the arthroscope, cannula, and other instruments are removed, and the portal incisions are closed securely.
  • Application of Dressing - A compressive dressing is applied to the knee to support the joint during the initial recovery phase.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the arthroscopy and meniscectomy, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is important to monitor for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Patients are typically advised to rest and elevate the knee to reduce swelling and promote healing. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore range of motion and strengthen the knee. The recovery period can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's condition, but patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding activity restrictions and rehabilitation exercises to ensure optimal recovery.
Short Descr KNEE ARTHROSCOPY/SURGERY
Medium Descr ARTHRS KNEE W/MENISCECTOMY MED&LAT W/SHAVING
Long Descr Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
Preoperative
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 29870  Arthroscopy, knee, 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 151 - Excision of semilunar cartilage of knee
Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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).
Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.
Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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).
Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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.
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).
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.
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.
Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
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.)
Catastrophe/disaster related
Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Early intervention/individualized family service plan (ifsp)
Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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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2012-01-01 Changed Description Changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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