Wiki Multiple Chondroplasties and one menisectomy

[Shay2025]

the provider performed several debridements in different compartments/locations such as the medial gutter, the patellofemoral compartment, the anterior horn medial, the lateral femoral condyles and the lateral meniscus. The provider also performed a meniscectomy.
Should I code
29880
or 29880 x 5

 

[pochranek]

multiple chondroplasties and one menisectomy

Per the 2012 CPT guidelines 29880 states:

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

You can only bill for 29880 once if done in the the lateral and medial compartments.

In addition you cannot bill 29877 in conjunction with 29880 since the chondroplasty is now inclusive to 29880

 

[Shay2025]

Thanks so much

 

[madgejones10]

If your doctor only did ONE meniscectomy (medial OR lateral), the correct code would be 29881. The multiple chondroplasties are included in the 29881.