29877 Arthrs knee surgical debridement/shvg
Also known as: chondroabrasion, chondroplasty, arthroscopic debridement, knee arthroscopy with debridement, knee scope cleanup, knee scope debridement
Arthroscopy of the knee with debridement and shaving of cartilage for osteoarthritis and chondral pathology.
In Plain Language
smoothing cartilage damage; treating arthritis in knee
Clinical Context
Indicated for osteoarthritis, chondral defects, and rough cartilage surfaces causing mechanical symptoms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.09 |
| Total RVU | 8.09 |
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 8.09, this code ranks in the 50th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29877?
CPT 29877 (Arthrs knee surgical debridement/shvg) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the knee with debridement and shaving of cartilage for osteoarthritis and chondral pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29877?
The work RVU for CPT 29877 is 8.09. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29877 used?
Indicated for osteoarthritis, chondral defects, and rough cartilage surfaces causing mechanical symptoms.
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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.