ASC Surgical: CPT Codes Eligible for the Ambulatory Surgery Center
The codes in this category are ASC-eligible surgical procedures. In plain terms, these are surgical procedures that can be performed in a certified ambulatory surgery center. When a procedure is ASC-eligible, the surgery center has a clear path to scheduling it, and the surgeon bills separately for the professional component.
This list spans the high-volume surgery that defines outpatient care. You will find orthopedic work such as 27447 (total knee arthroplasty) and 29881 (knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy), ophthalmology such as 66984 (cataract extraction with lens insertion), and gastroenterology such as 45378 (diagnostic colonoscopy). Each individual code page below gives the short descriptor and the code's ASC-eligibility status.
For billers, the takeaway is straightforward. ASC-eligibility answers the site-of-service question, but it does not by itself answer whether a specific patient encounter will be approved. Medical necessity, the correct diagnosis pairing, site-of-service rules, and payer-specific prior authorization still apply, and commercial and government plans can set their own conditions. DataLily's procedure library tracks CPT-specific prior-authorization and documentation requirements so teams can confirm those details before the case is scheduled.
ASC Surgical Procedures codes(showing 120 of 4,832)
What does it mean when a CPT code is ASC-eligible?
It means that surgical procedure can be performed in a certified ambulatory surgery center. These are the codes flagged as ASC-eligible. The surgeon still bills separately for the professional service. ASC-eligible status confirms the site of service, but the claim must still meet medical necessity and any payer-specific requirements.
Are orthopedic and cataract procedures done in an ASC?
Yes. Many common orthopedic and ophthalmology procedures are ASC-eligible. Examples include total knee arthroplasty (27447), knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy (29881), and cataract extraction with lens insertion (66984). When a code is ASC-eligible, it can be performed in the ASC, subject to the usual coverage and documentation rules.
If a code is ASC-eligible, is the claim guaranteed to be approved?
No. ASC-eligibility confirms the procedure can be performed in an ASC setting, but approval for a specific case still depends on medical necessity, the supporting diagnosis, correct coding, and any prior authorization the payer requires. Commercial and government plans may apply additional rules. Verify CPT-specific authorization and documentation needs before the case is scheduled.