29844 Wrist arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: TFCC repair, triangular fibrocartilage repair, ulnar sided wrist repair
Arthroscopy of the wrist with treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear or ulnar-sided wrist pathology.
In Plain Language
fixing wrist cartilage; repairing ulnar wrist
Clinical Context
Indicated for TFCC tears, ulnar impaction syndrome, and ulnar-sided wrist pain.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.35 |
| Total RVU | 6.35 |
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 6.35, 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 29844?
CPT 29844 (Wrist arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the wrist with treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear or ulnar-sided wrist pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29844?
The work RVU for CPT 29844 is 6.35. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29844 used?
Indicated for TFCC tears, ulnar impaction syndrome, and ulnar-sided wrist pain.
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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.