Billing and Coding: Arthroscopic Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement for Osteoarthritic Knees

This article is being published to update the provider community on coverage for Arthroscopic Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement for Osteoarthritic Knees.National Coverage Determination (NCD) 150.9 issued in 2004 describes Medicare coverage for Arthroscopic Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement for Osteoarthritic Knees. In this NCD, non-covered indications are: Arthroscopic lavage used alone for the osteoarthritic knee Arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritic patients presenting with knee pain only; or, Arthroscopic debridement and lavage with or without debridement for patients presenting with severe osteoarthritis CPT 29871 – Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for infection, lavage and drainage is used to describe the service covered by NCD 150.9.All other indications for coverage of arthroscopic lavage remain at Contractor discretion. Resources:NCD 150.9 Arthroscopic Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement for the Osteoarthritic KneeCMS Change Request 3281