CPT 29881: Knee Arthroscopy with Meniscectomy
CPT 29881 reports arthroscopic meniscectomy of the medial OR lateral compartment of the knee, including any meniscal shaving and debridement in that compartment. In 2026 Medicare pays about $515.71 in both non-facility and facility settings, and it carries a 090-day global period.
- Code type
- Surgical - knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy (1 compartment)
- 2026 non-facility
- $515.71
- 2026 facility
- $515.71
- Global period
- 090 days
What is CPT 29881 used for?
CPT 29881 reports arthroscopic meniscectomy of the knee, medial OR lateral compartment, including any meniscal shaving and debridement performed in that same compartment. It is the standard code for arthroscopically trimming a torn meniscus in one compartment.
When both the medial and lateral menisci are resected, you step up to 29880. The distinction between 29880 and 29881 is one compartment versus two, and it must be visible in the operative note.
How much does 29881 pay in 2026?
Under the 2026 Medicare fee schedule, 29881 allows about $515.71 in both non-facility and facility settings for the professional service.
| Setting | 2026 Medicare allowed |
|---|---|
| Non-facility | ~$515.71 |
| Facility | ~$515.71 |
Example: a surgeon performs an arthroscopic medial meniscectomy on the right knee in a surgery center. You bill 29881-RT at about $515.71 for the professional fee. Check your locality figure with the Medicare fee calculator.
How does chondroplasty bundle with 29881?
This is the number one billing trap. Chondroplasty of the same compartment is included in 29881 and is never separately payable. The NCCI edits bundle 29877 (and Medicare's G0289) into 29880 and 29881 for the same compartment.
- Chondroplasty in the same compartment as the meniscectomy: bundled, not separately billable.
- Chondroplasty in a different compartment of the same knee: report 29877 with modifier 59, or G0289 for Medicare.
How does the 90-day global period work?
29881 carries a 090-day global period, so nearly all routine post-op visits and normal follow-up care for roughly three months are bundled into the surgical fee. Two modifiers matter during that window: modifier 79 for an unrelated procedure such as operating on the other knee, which opens a new global period, and modifier 24 for an unrelated E/M visit during the global. Use LT or RT to identify the operative side, and rely on the NCCI edits for same-session bundling questions.
Frequently asked questions
In 2026 the national allowed amount is about $515.71 in both the non-facility and facility settings. Medicare pays 80 percent and the patient or secondary plan owes the 20 percent coinsurance after the deductible. Because it is nearly always done in a facility, the surgeon typically receives the professional fee only.
Not in the same compartment. NCCI bundles chondroplasty (29877, or G0289 for Medicare) into 29881 because shaving in the treated compartment is included. Separate reporting is allowed only when the chondroplasty is in a different compartment of the same knee, using modifier 59, or G0289 for Medicare.
If the surgeon operates on the other knee during the 90-day global period, append modifier 79 (unrelated procedure by the same physician during the postoperative period) to start a fresh global period. Add the LT or RT laterality modifier to identify the correct side.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
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