Arthroscopic Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement for the Osteoarthritic Knee

CMS does not nationally cover arthroscopic lavage alone, arthroscopic debridement for patients with knee pain only, or arthroscopic debridement/lavage for severe osteoarthritis of the knee (Outerbridge grades III–IV). Arthroscopic debridement for patients without severe OA who present with mechanical symptoms, alignment issues, or early degenerative disease may be covered at local contractor discretion, and contractors may require operative notes, standing x-rays, or arthroscopy results to support coverage.

"Arthroscopic debridement may be considered (coverage at local Medicare contractor discretion) for patients WITHOUT severe osteoarthritis (Outerbridge grades I–II) who present with mechanical sympto..."

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