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CPT 29873 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 FactDetail
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

LT - Left side of body

RT - Right side of body

Complexity LevelModerate
Medicare Fee ScheduleView Medicare rates for 29873
Medicaid Fee ScheduleView Medicaid rates for 29873

National average reimbursement for CPT 29873 by major payers:

bcbs

$689.28

uhc

$707.63

aetna

$754.95

cigna

$880.42

Compare published rates across providers.

Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 29873.

CPT 29873
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
  1. Millennium Surgical Center LLC

    Millennium Surgical Center, LLC

    NJAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1194935577Tax ID 20-5225327

    $4,192.00Published rate
  2. Executive Surgery Center, Inc.

    CAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1952698078Tax ID 45-2484347

    $2,614.00Published rate
  3. Mark Fromer, LLC, Eye Surgery Centers Of New York

    Mark Fromer LLC

    NYAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1306249453Tax ID 27-4212773

    $1,987.00Published rate
  4. Kuresmart Pain Management Surgery Center-Catonsville LLC, Clearway Surgery Center Of Catonsville

    Kuresmart Pain Management Surgery Centercatonsville LLC

    MDAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1649735861Tax ID 83-2414671

    $1,334.00Published rate
  5. Endoscopy Center Of Northwest Connecticut

    Endoscopy Center Of Northwest Ct

    CTAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1275507527Tax ID 61-609993

    $839.00Published rate

National sample. Rates vary by location, specialty, and contract.

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CPT 29873 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes

The CPT 29873 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 29873 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.

CodeComplexityDescription
29870-CPTModerateKnee 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-CPTModerateKnee 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-CPTModerateKnee 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-CPTModerateArthrs 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 29873. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 29873 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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