Orthopedic Coding Alert
Discover How 27331, 29881 Apply
Question: My physician documented an arthroscopic medial meniscectomy (29881). A large loose body in patellofemoral compartment was unable to be removed through the arthroscope. An open procedure was done to extract the loose body of 3.3 cm through a 2 cm incision.
Texas Subscriber
Answer: You report code 27331 (Arthrotomy, knee; including joint exploration, biopsy, or removal of loose or foreign bodies) as the arthroscopic approach done initially was later changed to an open exploration for removal of the foreign body. Code 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving] including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty], same or separate compartment[s], when performed) is for the arthroscopic meniscectomy.
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