Answer: If the chondroplasty and meniscectomy are performed in the same compartment of the knee (in this case medial), only 29881 (arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving]) should be reported. However, if a medial meniscectomy is performed along with a chondroplasty in the lateral or patellofemoral compartments, then you can report both 29881 and 29877 (arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty]). A review of the operative report should determine whether you can report both codes. Resection of a plica is considered a component of most arthroscopic surgical procedures and is not coded separately. |