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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 29838 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.
Scope Procedure Of Elbow, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Remove Damaged Or Infected Tissue From Inside The Elbow 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 29838 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 29838 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 29838 by major payers:
$810.60
$799.61
$854.51
$979.02
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CPT 29838
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Southwest LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Southwest
Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Southwest LLP
$6,904.00Published rateNorth Suburban Pain And Spine Center LLC
North Suburban Pain & Spine Cent
$2,960.00Published rateSurgery Center Of Georgetown, LLC, Georgetown Surgery Center
Surgery Center Of Georgetown LLC
$2,184.00Published ratePlateau Surgery Center
$1,607.00Published rateScottsdale Eye Institute, Plc, Scottsdale Eye Institute, Plc
Scottsdale Eye Institute Plc
$538.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 29838 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes
The CPT 29838 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 29838 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 29830-CPT | Moderate | Elbow Surgery With Scope, Elbow Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy). The Procedure May Include Taking A Sample Of Tissue For Testing (Biopsy). |
| 29834-CPT | Moderate | Arthroscopy Elbow Surgical, Arthroscopy Elbow Surgical With Removal Of Loose Body Or Foreign Body Arthroscopy Elbow Surgical With Removal Of Loose Body Or |
| 29835-CPT | Moderate | Remove Elbow Joint Lining, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Remove All Or A Part Of The Lining Of An Elbow Joint. |
| 29838-CPT | Moderate | Scope Procedure Of Elbow, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Remove Damaged Or Infected Tissue From Inside The Elbow Joint. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 29838. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 29838 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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