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CPT® 29838, Under Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code 29838 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Endoscopy/Arthroscopy Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System.

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Summary

The provider examines the tissue inside the elbow joint with an arthroscope. She inserts additional instruments and excises extensive damaged tissues in the elbow joint caused by trauma to the elbow.

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Have a question about CPT Code 29838 ? Start a discussion here
Arthroscopy of the elbow
Hi Diane, I am new at this, so I am just going to give you some ideas based on what I have read. Chondroplasty is often referred to as debridement in many of the op reports I have read. There are two ... [ Read More ]
Elbow Ulnar Release and/or Transposition
Hello! I have an elbow surgery that I need help with deciphering. See op note below. I am torn between CPT 29838 (Arthroscopy, elbow, surgical; debridement, extensive) and/or CPT 24006 (Arthrotomy ... [ Read More ]
Coding a elbow surgery
I have a dr. who did a surgery on a left elbow. He has the DX : 1. arthroscopic extensive debridement 2. Arthroscopic excision of osteophytes olecranon he put in the op note, everything above but he... [ Read More ]
Arthroscopy, elbow
Hello all - Per the code book, it says NOT to bill at 24358 or 24359 if you are billing a 29837 or a 29838.... is there ever a time when you can bill them both and if so, can you give me an example ... [ Read More ]
29838 vs. Unlisted
Procedures performed were arthroscopic elbow synovectomy and arthroscopic lateral epicondylitis release with debridement. OP note states:"Anterior medial arthroscopy portal was then established 1 cm ... [ Read More ]
Arthroscopic Elbow Codes - 29836 or 29838 or BOTH?
Why modifier 59? Per guidelines modifier does documentation support differant session, differant porcedure or sugery differant site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion or se... [ Read More ]
Arthroscopic Elbow Codes - 29836 or 29838 or BOTH? 29838 arthoscopy debridement elbow orthopedic
My provider performed a four portal arthroscopic elbow procedure--right elbow extensive arthroscopic debridement and excision of posterolateral synovial plica . This is the clinical description of th... [ Read More ]
Arthro elbow
Seems like a Ulnar decompression and arthroscopic elbow debridement (extensive). 64718 & 29838.... [ Read More ]
ACP injection
What is everyone using for acp injection? I know 0232T is for PRP is this the same????? Can you bill this with 29838? I think I am confusing myself the longer I look at it. Thanks in advance!... [ Read More ]
elbow arthroscopy - I hope someone can help me with this
I am sitting on almost the same report now, and remembered your question from reading it yesterday! We also have a extensive debridement in ours, so I am going to code 29834 for the loose body remova... [ Read More ]
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    Latest News

    Distinguishing Limited and Extensive Debridement
    Question What is the distinction between limited and extensive debridement as described in CPT codes 29822 Arthroscopy shoulder surgical debridement limited and 29823 extensive and 29837 Arthroscopy e... [ Read More ]
    Debridement: Distinguishing Limited from Extensive
    CPTAMA guidelines aren8217t much help to distinguishlimited versus extensive debridement as described in CPT codes 29822 Arthroscopy shoulder surgical debridement limited and 29823 extensive and 29837... [ Read More ]
    Arthroscopic Gems: Hints for Accurate Coding
    By Denis Rodriguez CPC CCS CIRCC CASCC Arthroscopy refers to less invasive procedures in which an endoscope is placed within the joint for the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. As ... [ Read More ]
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