29851 Knee arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: knee arthroscopic surgery, therapeutic knee arthroscopy, complex knee repair
Arthroscopy of the knee with surgical treatment including meniscectomy, ligament repair, or complex knee pathology management.
In Plain Language
surgery inside knee; repairing knee damage
Clinical Context
Used for meniscal tears, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and complex intra-articular knee pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 12.93 |
| Total RVU | 12.93 |
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 12.93, this code ranks in the 67th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29851?
CPT 29851 (Knee arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the knee with surgical treatment including meniscectomy, ligament repair, or complex knee pathology management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29851?
The work RVU for CPT 29851 is 12.93. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29851 used?
Used for meniscal tears, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and complex intra-articular knee 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.