Orthopedic Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Where Is the Suprapatellar Pouch?
Published on Fri Oct 21, 2005
Question: Our surgeon performed a medial meniscectomy, followed by a plica resection in the suprapatellar pouch. Are these procedures in the same compartment, or can we report them separately?
Connecticut Subscriber
Answer: The suprapatellar pouch is part of the patellofemoral compartment. Therefore, the procedures that your surgeon performed are in separate compartments and you can report both codes. Your claim should appear as follows:
- 29881--Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving)
- 29875-59---synovectomy, limited (e.g., plica or shelf resection) (separate procedure); distinct procedural service .
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