AnnexMed’s “Knee Arthroscopy CPT Codes for 2025” is a comprehensive resource for orthopedic coders, billing departments, surgeons, and audit teams who must stay current to ensure accurate procedure reporting, reimbursement, and compliance. The article delves deeply into three major CPT codes relevant to knee arthroscopy:
CPT 29875: Limited synovectomy – code used when synovectomy is performed in only one compartment of the knee (e.g. medial compartment) and as a separate procedure.
CPT 29876: Major synovectomy – applies when synovectomy spans two or more compartments.
CPT 29877: Articular cartilage debridement (chondroplasty) – when cartilage surfaces rather than synovial tissue are the target.
A critical feature of the guide is its emphasis on understanding anatomy (medial, lateral, patellofemoral compartments), distinguishing synovium from cartilage pathology, and correctly aligning the procedure intent and documentation. Without this clarity, claims risk being denied or downcoded. The post also outlines common coding pitfalls—such as misreporting a synovectomy when cartilage is being debrided, improperly using CPT 29875/29876 when another arthroscopy procedure is performed, or missing laterality or compartment information.
Additionally, it provides a robust audit checklist to help ensure all procedural documentation meets standards: that operatives notes clearly state what was done, the number of compartments involved, why the procedure was medically necessary, which tools or pathology findings were present, and that modifiers (-RT or -LT for right/left, -59 when a procedure is distinct) are properly used. For practices aiming to reduce denials and enhance revenue cycle integrity, this guide offers both definitions and actionable steps.