29837 Elbow arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: loose body removal elbow, arthroscopic cleanup, foreign body removal
Arthroscopy of the elbow with arthroscopic removal of loose bodies and treatment of associated pathology.
In Plain Language
removing debris from elbow; cleaning elbow joint
Clinical Context
Indicated for loose bodies from fractures, osteochondritis dissecans, or osteochondromatosis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.83 |
| Total RVU | 6.83 |
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 6.83, 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 29837?
CPT 29837 (Elbow arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the elbow with arthroscopic removal of loose bodies and treatment of associated pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29837?
The work RVU for CPT 29837 is 6.83. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29837 used?
Indicated for loose bodies from fractures, osteochondritis dissecans, or osteochondromatosis.
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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.