CPT 29881
Knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy, medial or lateral
Last reviewed August 2026 · DataLily AI data team
What does CPT 29881 mean?
CPT 29881 reports surgical knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy — removal of torn meniscus cartilage — of the medial or lateral meniscus, including any meniscal shaving. When both the medial and lateral menisci are treated, 29880 is reported instead.
Pilot Analysis
Get the complete CPT 29881 analysis
Tell us where to send it. Our team will prepare an analysis of CPT 29881 covering what payers reimburse across markets and where your rate may sit, and email it to you within 5-10 business days. Need it faster? Book a demo.
CPT 29881 at a glance
- Code
- 29881
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS
- Short descriptor
- Arthrs kne srg mnisectmy m/l
- Category
- ASC Surgical
- ASC eligibility
- ASC-eligible (surgical)
- Typical setting
- Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
- Medicare ASC rate
- $1,644.87 national · 2026Q2
What is CPT code 29881?
CPT 29881 reports surgical knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy — removal of torn meniscus cartilage — of the medial or lateral meniscus, including any meniscal shaving. When both the medial and lateral menisci are treated, 29880 is reported instead. Its official short descriptor is "Arthrs kne srg mnisectmy m/l", and in the ASC context it is grouped under ASC Surgical.
Is CPT 29881 eligible in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 29881 can be performed in a certified ambulatory surgery center.
Where is CPT 29881 typically performed?
Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
What is the Medicare ASC payment rate for CPT 29881?
The national Medicare ASC payment rate for CPT 29881 is $1,644.87 (Medicare ASC Payment System, 2026Q2). This is the national, unadjusted Medicare amount; the amount an individual ambulatory surgery center is paid is adjusted for local wage index and may differ. It reflects Medicare's facility payment only and does not include the surgeon's professional fee.
Which specialties use CPT 29881?
CPT 29881 is most associated with General Surgery, Ortho – Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery.
Reference information about ASC eligibility and typical procedure setting. Codes, descriptors, and ASC-eligibility status change over time. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against current guidance and individual payer policy before scheduling or billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Read the DataLily AI data methodology.