29880 Arthrs knee srg mnisectmy m & l
Also known as: meniscectomy both, total meniscectomy, bilateral meniscectomy, knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy medial and lateral, bilateral knee scope, knee scope meniscus repair
Arthroscopy of the knee with medial and lateral meniscectomy (removal of both menisci).
In Plain Language
removing both knee cartilage pads; total meniscus removal
Clinical Context
Used for bilateral meniscal tears with irreparable damage requiring complete removal.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.21 |
| Total RVU | 7.21 |
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 7.21, this code ranks in the 46th 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 29880?
CPT 29880 (Arthrs knee srg mnisectmy m & l) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopy of the knee with medial and lateral meniscectomy (removal of both menisci).
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29880?
The work RVU for CPT 29880 is 7.21. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29880 used?
Used for bilateral meniscal tears with irreparable damage requiring complete removal.
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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.