29834 Elbow arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: elbow arthroscopic surgery, arthroscopic elbow cleanup, loose body removal
Arthroscopy of the elbow with surgical treatment including removal of loose bodies, osteophytes, or arthroscopic debridement.
In Plain Language
surgery inside elbow; removing debris from elbow
Clinical Context
Used for loose bodies, osteophytes, arthritis, and other mechanical elbow pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.26 |
| Total RVU | 6.26 |
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 6.26, this code ranks in the 42nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29834?
CPT 29834 (Elbow arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the elbow with surgical treatment including removal of loose bodies, osteophytes, or arthroscopic debridement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29834?
The work RVU for CPT 29834 is 6.26. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29834 used?
Used for loose bodies, osteophytes, arthritis, and other mechanical elbow pathology.
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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.