29871 Arthrs knee surgical for infctj
Also known as: knee washout, septic knee irrigation, infected joint debridement
Arthroscopy of the knee with surgical treatment of intra-articular infection or septic arthritis.
In Plain Language
washing out infected knee; treating infected knee
Clinical Context
Indicated for septic arthritis requiring urgent debridement, lavage, and removal of infected material.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.52 |
| Total RVU | 6.52 |
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 6.52, this code ranks in the 43rd 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 29871?
CPT 29871 (Arthrs knee surgical for infctj) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the knee with surgical treatment of intra-articular infection or septic arthritis.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29871?
The work RVU for CPT 29871 is 6.52. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Infectious Disease. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29871 used?
Indicated for septic arthritis requiring urgent debridement, lavage, and removal of infected material.
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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.