29845 Wrist arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: wrist synovectomy, synovial cleanup, wrist joint cleanup
Arthroscopy of the wrist with synovectomy for removal of inflamed synovial tissue or treatment of inflammatory wrist disease.
In Plain Language
removing joint lining from wrist; cleaning wrist inflammation
Clinical Context
Used for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory synovitis, and chronic wrist inflammation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.50 |
| Total RVU | 7.50 |
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 7.50, 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 29845?
CPT 29845 (Wrist arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the wrist with synovectomy for removal of inflamed synovial tissue or treatment of inflammatory wrist disease.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29845?
The work RVU for CPT 29845 is 7.50. This code is primarily used by Hand Surgery, Rheumatology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29845 used?
Used for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory synovitis, and chronic wrist inflammation.
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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.