Unlisted code for an arthroscopic procedure on any joint that no listed arthroscopy or Category III code describes.
- Medicare
- $0.00
- Work RVU
- 0
- Global, days
- Region
- Multi-region
Documentation requirements
What must appear in the operative or office note to support the claim.
Source · Editorial brief grounded in 3 cited references ↓
- Operative note confirming arthroscopic approach and joint
- Each step of the unlisted portion described separately
- Why no listed arthroscopy or Category III code applies
- Comparison code from the same joint
- Laterality
- Separate documentation for any listed codes billed the same session
Applicable modifiers
Modifiers commonly billed with this code.
Source · AMA CPT modifier descriptors · CMS NCCI Policy Manual
What this code covers
Source · Editorial summary grounded in 3 cited references ↓
29999 is the unlisted arthroscopy code, and orthopedic billers see it more than any other unlisted code. Any scope procedure on any joint goes here when no listed arthroscopy code or Category III code matches. That includes some hip arthroscopy procedures, ankle and elbow work outside the listed codes, and newer cartilage or ligament techniques done through the scope.
Open procedures do not go here. An open shoulder repair with no code is 23929. An open knee procedure is 27599. A payer will deny 29999 if the op note describes an open case or a mini open conversion without saying which part was arthroscopic.
Medicare has no fee and a YYY global. Send the op note, a cover letter, and a comparison code (often a listed arthroscopy code on the same joint). Laterality is required by most payers. If 29999 is billed with listed arthroscopy codes on the same joint, expect NCCI review. Document why the unlisted work was separate from the listed procedures.
RVU & reimbursement
Component RVUs and Medicare national rate. Actual payment varies by GPCI locality.
Source · CMS Physician Fee Schedule, RVU26A · January 2026
| Work RVU | 0 |
| Practice expense RVU | 0 |
| Malpractice RVU | 0 |
| Total RVU | 0 |
| Medicare national rate | $0.00 |
| Global period | days |
Payment by site of service
Medicare pays different rates by setting. HOPD typically pays substantially more than ASC for the same procedure.
Source · CMS OPPS Addendum B·ASC HCPCS payment rates·2026
| Setting | Medicare rate (national) |
|---|---|
Office (PFS non-facility) Procedure performed in physician's office | $0.00 |
HOPD (APC 5111) Hospital outpatient department | $252.01 |
Common denial reasons
The recurring reasons claims for CPT 29999 get rejected.
Source · Editorial brief grounded in CMS NCCI edits, AAOS coding appeals, and cited references ↓
- Open or mini open procedure billed as arthroscopic
- Category III code exists
- Bundled with a listed arthroscopy code on the same joint
- Missing laterality
- Payer policy treats the technique as investigational
Frequently asked questions
Source · Generated from the editorial pipeline, verified against 3 cited references ↓
01How do I bill CPT 29999?
02Can 29999 be billed with other arthroscopy codes?
03Is hip arthroscopy billed with 29999?
04Should open procedures use 29999?
Sources & references
Editorial content was developed using the following public sources.
Mira Scribe
Mira Scribe separates each arthroscopic step in the note, so the unlisted portion can be priced and defended alongside any listed codes.
See how Mira captures CPT 29999 documentation