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See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare 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.
| 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 29850 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 29850 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 29850 by major payers:

$871.41

$820.28

$857.65

$1,010.78
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Christus Srpasc - San Antonio, LLC
Premiere Surgery Center Inc
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 29850 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes
The CPT 29850 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 29850 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 29850-CPT | Moderate | Surgery To Repair Broken Knee, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscope) To Repair A Broken Bone On One Or Both Sides Of The Knee. The Bones May Be Moved Into Place Manually Or Held In Place Using Pins Wires Or A Cage Around The Outside Of The Knee. |
| 29851-CPT | High | Fracture Treatment, Arthroscopically Aided Treatment Of Intercondylar Spine(S) And/Or Tuberosity Fracture(S) Of The Knee With Or Without Manipulation; Without Internal Or External Fixation (Includes Arthroscopy) With Internal Or External Fixation (Includes Arthroscopy) |
| 29855-CPT | High | Repair Broken Shinbone, Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscope) To Repair A Broken Shinbone. The Bones May Be Moved Into Place Manually Or Held In Place Using Pins Wires Or A Cage Just Below The Knee. |
| 29870-CPT | Moderate | Knee Exam Using A Scope, Exam Of The Knee Using A Scope (Arthroscopy). The Procedure May Include Taking A Sample Of Joint Fluid For Testing (Biopsy). |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 29850. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 29850 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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