Which CPT code corresponds to knee arthroscopy with debridement?

Which CPT code corresponds to knee arthroscopy with debridement?

• A. 29877
• B. 29870
• C. 29871
• D. 29879

Answer: (D)

When coding knee arthroscopy, you choose the CPT code based on the specific intra-articular procedure that is performed as the main operation. If the surgeon’s work is focused on debridement—cleaning out degenerative tissue, smoothing cartilage, or removing frayed/intra-articular debris without removing meniscal tissue or repairing ligaments—the appropriate code is 29879. This code reflects arthroscopic debridement as the primary procedure. The other codes in this knee arthroscopy range correspond to different, more specific procedures. A meniscectomy, where all or part of the meniscus is removed, is coded with a code that reflects meniscectomy with debridement of torn meniscal tissue. A meniscal repair is coded separately when the meniscus is repaired rather than removed. A ligament reconstruction, such as an ACL reconstruction, has its own code. Since the operation described is debridement alone (not a meniscectomy, repair, or reconstruction), 29879 is the best match.

When coding knee arthroscopy, you choose the CPT code based on the specific intra-articular procedure that is performed as the main operation. If the surgeon’s work is focused on debridement—cleaning out degenerative tissue, smoothing cartilage, or removing frayed/intra-articular debris without removing meniscal tissue or repairing ligaments—the appropriate code is 29879. This code reflects arthroscopic debridement as the primary procedure.

The other codes in this knee arthroscopy range correspond to different, more specific procedures. A meniscectomy, where all or part of the meniscus is removed, is coded with a code that reflects meniscectomy with debridement of torn meniscal tissue. A meniscal repair is coded separately when the meniscus is repaired rather than removed. A ligament reconstruction, such as an ACL reconstruction, has its own code. Since the operation described is debridement alone (not a meniscectomy, repair, or reconstruction), 29879 is the best match.