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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 29821 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Remove Shoulder Joint Lining, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Remove All Or A Portion Of The Lining Of A Shoulder Joint.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System |
| Common Place of Service | 24 - Ambulatory Surgical Center 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | None RT - Right side of body LT - Left side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 29821 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 29821 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 29821 by major payers:
$821.79
$801.29
$819.28
$979.30
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CPT 29821
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza, LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza
$8,818.00Published rateQueens Surgical Center LLC
$4,750.00Published rateUniversity Of Miami, Umiami Medicine - Ophthalmology (Naples Bascom Palmer - Asc)
University Of Miami
$3,820.00Published rateTorrance Endoscopy And Surgical Affiliates, Inc, Endoscopy Center At Skypark
Torrance Endoscopy And Surgical Affiliates Inc
$1,947.00Published rateJulie Webster
Musc Community Physicians
$627.88Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 29821 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes
The CPT 29821 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 29821 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 29820-CPT | Moderate | Remove Shoulder Joint Lining, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Remove All Or A Portion Of The Lining Of A Shoulder Joint. |
| 29821-CPT | Moderate | Remove Shoulder Joint Lining, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Remove All Or A Portion Of The Lining Of A Shoulder Joint. |
| 29822-CPT | Moderate | Sho Arthrs Srg Lmtd Dbrdmt, Arthroscopy Shoulder Surgical Debridement Limited 1 Or 2 Discrete Structures Eg Humeral Bone Humeral Articular Cartilage Glenoid Bone Glenoid Articular Cartilage Biceps Tendon Biceps Anchor Complex Labrum Articular Capsule Articular Side Of The Rotator Cuff Bursal Side Of The Rotator Cuff Subacromial Bursa Foreign Body Ies |
| 29823-CPT | Moderate | Sho Arthrs Srg Xtnsv Dbrdmt, Arthroscopy Shoulder Surgical Debridement Extensive 3 Or More Discrete Structures Eg Humeral Bone Humeral Articular Cartilage Glenoid Bone Glenoid Articular Cartilage Biceps Tendon Biceps Anchor Complex Labrum Articular Capsule Articular Side Of The Rotator Cuff Bursal Side Of The Rotator Cuff Subacromial Bursa Foreign Body Ies |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 29821. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 29821 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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