Question: Our physician performed an arthroscopic radiofrequency thermal debriding of unstable articular cartilage in all three compartments of the knee. How should this be coded?
Vermont Subscriber
Answer: Since the treatment is a thermal (rather than surgical) debridement, use unspecified arthroscopy code 29999 (Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy). Submit the operative report and a letter explaining that the arthroscopy was used as a guide for the thermal debridement with the claim.
