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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 29871 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.
Knee Surgery With Scope, Knee Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy). The Procedure May Drain An Infection Or Remove Scar Tissue Or A Foreign Object.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 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 29871 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 29871 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 29871 by major payers:
$688.75
$693.65
$730.70
$849.73
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CPT 29871
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Gcsa Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC, Gastroenterology Consultants Of San Antonio - Stone Oak
Gcsa Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC
$4,339.00Published rateCapital City Surgery Center, LLC
Capital City Surgery Center LLC
$3,215.00Published rateGroup Surgical Partners Integrated LLC, Legent Outpatient Surgery - Frisco
Group Surgical Partners Integrated LLC
$2,277.00Published rateThe Endoscopy Center Of West Central Ohio, LLC
The Endoscopy Center Of West Central Ohio LLC
$1,131.00Published rateBruce Alexander
Deaconess Hospital Inc
$411.64Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 29871 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes
The CPT 29871 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 29871 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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). |
| 29871-CPT | Moderate | Knee Surgery With Scope, Knee Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy). The Procedure May Drain An Infection Or Remove Scar Tissue Or A Foreign Object. |
| 29873-CPT | Moderate | Knee Surgery With Scope, Knee Surgery Aided By A Scope (Arthroscopy). The Procedure May Drain An Infection Or Remove Scar Tissue Or A Foreign Object. |
| 29874-CPT | Moderate | Arthrs Knee Surg Rmv Loos/Fb, Arthroscopy Knee Surgical; For Removal Of Loose Body Or Foreign Body (Eg Osteochondritis Dissecans Fragmentation Chondral Fragmentation) |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 29871. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 29871 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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