29836 Elbow arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: OCD elbow, osteochondritis dissecans repair, osteochondral lesion repair
Arthroscopy of the elbow with arthroscopic treatment of osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral lesion including debridement and fixation.
In Plain Language
fixing cartilage damage in elbow; repairing elbow joint surface
Clinical Context
Used for osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and other osteochondral lesions in throwing athletes.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.53 |
| Total RVU | 7.53 |
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 7.53, this code ranks in the 48th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29836?
CPT 29836 (Elbow arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the elbow with arthroscopic treatment of osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral lesion including debridement and fixation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29836?
The work RVU for CPT 29836 is 7.53. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29836 used?
Used for osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and other osteochondral lesions in throwing athletes.
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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.