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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Get the Scoop on Saucerization

Published on Fri Jan 05, 2007

Question: Our surgeon performed a saucerization of the lateral discoid meniscus, but I don't know which codes to report for this surgery. Does CPT contain a code for this? Arkansas Subscriber Answer: You should report the appropriate meniscectomy code (such as 29881, Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving]). During this surgery, the surgeon sculpts the discoid meniscus into a more normal "C" shape. Some physicians refer to this surgery as "saucerization" or "meniscoplasty."
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