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Orthopedic Coding Alert

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CPT Gives You an Assist on Multi-Arthroscopy Encounters

Published on Thu Mar 24, 2011

Question: My orthopedist performed a medial and lateral meniscectomy on a patient, and also performed a synovectomy in the patellofemoral compartment. Since the arthroscopic procedures were performed in separate knee compartments, is it possible to code for either procedures, or do I have to choose one?Mississippi SubscriberAnswer: You should be able to report both procedures. On the claim, report the following:29880 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving])29875 (... synovectomy, limited [e.g., plica or shelf resection [separate procedure]]) for the synovectomy modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) appended to 29875 to show that the synovectomy and meniscectomy were separate services.Explanation: In case the payer challenges the correctness of this coding, note this guidance from the August 2001 CPT Assistant: "Arthroscopic synovectomy is reported using codes 29875 and 29876.Limited synovectomy (29875) involves resection of the synovium and may include partial resection of the plica of one knee [...]
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