Wiki 29877 vs 29881

[mdarling]

29877 has a higher RVU than 29881. However, according to CCI edits 29877 is bundled into 29881. Is it appropriate to bill 29877 only if both a meniscectomy and a chondroplasty is performed? If both procedures are performed 29881 and 29877 is it ethical to simply just bill for the higher RVU? I want to get my MD's the maximum allowable fee for the services rendered.

M. Darling, COSC, Medical Assistant

 

[CodingKing]

You are unable to select codes based off RVU. You are required to use the code that most accurately describes the procedure. Purposely omitting codes for a higher reimbursement would not be legal.

AMA Guidelines states When performed with arthroscopic meniscectomy, see 29880 or 29881

 

[Jreeves23]

Question

You are unable to select codes based off RVU. You are required to use the code that most accurately describes the procedure. Purposely omitting codes for a higher reimbursement would not be legal.

AMA Guidelines states When performed with arthroscopic meniscectomy, see 29880 or 29881

Coding King...

I am curious. How you would bill the procedural scenario below?

Surgical Procedures Done in the Same Session:

* Meniscectomy - 29881
* Chondroplasty - 29877
* Limited Synovectomy - 29875

and

* Meniscectomy - 29880
* Chondroplasty - 29877
* 3 compartment Synovectomy - 29876