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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 29881 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 Arthroscopy Surgery, Arthroscopy Knee Surgical With Meniscectomy Medial Or Lateral Including Any Meniscal Shaving Including Debridement Shaving Of Articular Cartilage Chondroplasty Same Or Separate Compartment S When Performed
| 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 29881 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 29881 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 29881 by major payers:
$747.50
$766.34
$838.00
$906.48
Compare published rates across providers.
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CPT 29881
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Samuel Freedman
Memorial Medical Consultation Group
$3,361.79Published rateTara Schwamb
New York University
$2,017.17Published rateSean Donahoe
Peconic Cardiology PC
$1,362.41Published rateHarvey Marchbein
North Shore-Lij Medical PC
$1,089.92Published rateMorteza Farr
Dr Morteza Farr Do Inc
$528.82Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 29881 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes
The CPT 29881 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 29881 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 29866-CPT | High | Autgrft Implnt Knee W Scope, Arthroscopy Knee Surgical Osteochondral Autograft S Eg Mosaicplasty Includes Harvesting Of The Autograft S |
| 29867-CPT | High | Arthroscopy Knee Surg; Osteochondral Allogrft (Eg Mosaicplasty, Arthroscopy Knee Surgical; Osteochondral Allograft (Eg Mosaicplasty |
| 29877-CPT | Moderate | Scope Procedure To Repair Knee, Surgery Using A Scope (Arthroscopy) To Repair Or Remove Damaged Cartilage. The Procedure May Involve Reshaping One Or More Bones In The Joint To Stimulate Bone Growth. |
| 29881-CPT | Moderate | Knee Arthroscopy Surgery, Arthroscopy Knee Surgical With Meniscectomy Medial Or Lateral Including Any Meniscal Shaving Including Debridement Shaving Of Articular Cartilage Chondroplasty Same Or Separate Compartment S When Performed |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 29881. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 29881 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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