29874 Arthrs knee surgical removal loos/foreign body
Also known as: loose body removal knee, foreign body removal, knee cleanup, knee scope loose body removal
Arthroscopy of the knee with removal of loose bodies and foreign materials from the knee joint.
In Plain Language
removing debris from knee; cleaning knee joint
Clinical Context
Indicated for loose bodies from osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, or osteochondromatosis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.01 |
| Total RVU | 7.01 |
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 7.01, this code ranks in the 45th 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 29874?
CPT 29874 (Arthrs knee surgical removal loos/foreign body) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the knee with removal of loose bodies and foreign materials from the knee joint.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29874?
The work RVU for CPT 29874 is 7.01. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29874 used?
Indicated for loose bodies from osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, or osteochondromatosis.
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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.