29873 Arthrs knee surgical with lateral rls
Also known as: lateral release, LR procedure, patellar release
Arthroscopy of the knee with lateral retinacular release to correct patellofemoral tracking abnormalities.
In Plain Language
loosening side of kneecap; adjusting kneecap alignment
Clinical Context
Used for patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar maltracking, and lateral compression syndrome.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.08 |
| Total RVU | 6.08 |
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 6.08, this code ranks in the 40th 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 29873?
CPT 29873 (Arthrs knee surgical with lateral rls) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the knee with lateral retinacular release to correct patellofemoral tracking abnormalities.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29873?
The work RVU for CPT 29873 is 6.08. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29873 used?
Used for patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar maltracking, and lateral compression syndrome.
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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.