29822 Sho arthrs srg lmtd debridement
Also known as: limited debridement, selective debridement, partial cleanup
Arthroscopy of the shoulder with limited debridement of cartilage, bone, or soft tissue to remove damaged or diseased structures.
In Plain Language
removing some damaged tissue; limited joint cleanup
Clinical Context
Indicated for localized osteoarthritis, chondral defects, or inflamed structures causing mechanical symptoms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.85 |
| Total RVU | 6.85 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 6.85, this code ranks in the 44th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29822?
CPT 29822 (Sho arthrs srg lmtd debridement) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the shoulder with limited debridement of cartilage, bone, or soft tissue to remove damaged or diseased structures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29822?
The work RVU for CPT 29822 is 6.85. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29822 used?
Indicated for localized osteoarthritis, chondral defects, or inflamed structures causing mechanical symptoms.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.