Wiki billing 29877, 29881 SAME setting OPPOSItE joints

[jroden56]

We're having much difficulty billing 29877 and 29881 opposite knees We've modified correctly with LT/RT but Medicare rejects as not allowed. We've gone thru 2 levels of appeals with explanation that both knees required repair without success. any ideas or suggestions?

jr

 

[golymom]

What diagnosis for the 29877? Some of the payors and MACs have policies to not cover chondroplasty for DJD.

 

[hblakeman]

29877 is usually included in 29881. If 29881 is performed on both knees (without reading op report), I would code 29881-50. If you're saying that the 29877 was on one knee and 29881 on the other, I would include an XS(59) modifier before the LT or RT on the 29877.