CPT
23472 — Arthroplasty, glenohumeral joint; total shoulder
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Surgery & procedures
29881 — Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy
This code covers knee arthroscopy surgery in which a torn or damaged meniscus (the cartilage cushion in the knee) is trimmed or partially removed.
- Typical setting: Hospital OR, ASC
- National avg charge (illustrative): $600-$1,300 Medicare allowed for surgeon professional fee (total ASC or hospital charges: $5,000-$15,000)
- Most-disputed reason: Upcoding to 29888: billing the ACL repair code (29888) when only a meniscectomy was performed — the operative note must document ACL reconstruction for 29888 to apply
What it means
What 29881 actually means
This code covers knee arthroscopy surgery in which a torn or damaged meniscus (the cartilage cushion in the knee) is trimmed or partially removed. It is performed through small incisions with a camera and surgical tools, making it minimally invasive. It has a 90-day global period that includes routine follow-up care.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Upcoding to 29888: billing the ACL repair code (29888) when only a meniscectomy was performed — the operative note must document ACL reconstruction for 29888 to apply
- Bilateral meniscus billing: if both medial and lateral menisci were treated, modifier -51 may apply but check whether one code covers both or two units are needed per payer policy
- Unbundling lavage/synovectomy: separately billing arthroscopic lavage codes that are considered bundled into the meniscectomy service under NCCI edits
If you see 29881 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 29881 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
27130 — Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)
Same scrutiny as knee replacement — verify all providers in-network.
CPT
27447 — Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)
Big-ticket surgery — verify all providers were in-network.
CPT
27486 — Revision of total knee arthroplasty, one component
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
29888 — Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with ACL repair/augmentation or reconstruction
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 29881 on a bill.
29881 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 29881 usually cost?
$600-$1,300 Medicare allowed for surgeon professional fee (total ASC or hospital charges: $5,000-$15,000). Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 29881?
Upcoding to 29888: billing the ACL repair code (29888) when only a meniscectomy was performed — the operative note must document ACL reconstruction for 29888 to apply
What should I do if I see 29881 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 29881 before paying.
Don't pay 29881 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.