Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Report the Tendon Repair in an Arthroscopic Meniscectomy

Published on Thu Mar 22, 2012

Question: Our surgeon performed a partial lateral meniscectomy and repaired the popliteus tendon via anteromedial portal. Per the op note, the tendon was torn from its insertion. He placed a 5.5-mm Ti anchor in the condyle. The two sutures were then passed through the tendinous material and tied down with two sliding knots. This looks like the tendon was repaired. How can we report for this?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: You report 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) as the procedure is essentially an arthoscopy and meniscectomy. You report 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) as there is no code, open or arthroscopic, for reporting the popliteus tendon.

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Coding Tips:
Update Your 29826 Use To Reflect Add-On Status in 2012
Turn to codes for arthroscopic debridement when reporting only arthroscopic subacromial decompression.CPT® 2012 brought changes [...]

ICD-10 Update:
You'll Need to Be More Specific With Muscle and Connective Tissue Disorders When ICD-10 Hits
Hint: Pay attention to the site of involvement. When you're coding for ligament disorders, palmar [...]

CPT®2012 Update:
Capture Radiological Supervision With Vertebroplasties: Here's How
You can report the professional component for your surgeon's services.If your surgeon performs vertebroplasties, a [...]

You Be the Coder:
Repair of Coracoclavicular Ligament is Inclusive in 23550
Question: If our surgeon performed an ORIF for a distal clavicle dislocation and also repaired the [...]

Reader Question:
Report the Tendon Repair in an Arthroscopic Meniscectomy
Question: Our surgeon performed a partial lateral meniscectomy and repaired the popliteus tendon via anteromedial [...]

Reader Question:
Arrange Follow-Up with Original Surgeon
Question: We have taken over post operative care on a patient who had surgery from [...]

Reader Question:
Turn to Unlisted Code for Contracture Procedure in Toe
Question: Our surgeon documented the following:Diagnosis: 2nd Metatarsophalangeal stiffnessThe patient was taken to the operating [...]

Reader Question:
Select Code for Tenolysis of Biceps Done in Scope Surgery
Question: How can we code an open tenolysis of biceps tendon done during a scope [...]

Reader Question:
Know the Bundling of Adductor Tenotomy and Total Hip
Question: Our surgeon performed a conversion of hemiarthroplasty to a total hip but only needed [...]

Reader Question:
29826 is no longer a standalone code
Question: Our surgeon's op note reads as follows:"Camera was inserted. Examination of the glenohumeral joint [...]

View All