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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 SubscriberAnswer: 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.
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