Summary & Overview
CPT 29861: Hip Arthroscopy, Removal of Loose or Foreign Body
CPT code 29861 denotes arthroscopic removal of loose or foreign bodies from the hip joint. It is a minimally invasive surgical service used to relieve pain, inflammation, and mechanical symptoms caused by intra-articular fragments such as cartilage fragments or retained surgical anchors. Nationally, this procedure matters because hip arthroscopy volumes have grown with advances in minimally invasive techniques and with increased detection of intra-articular pathology.
Key payers discussed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and service setting, along with operational benchmarks and payer coverage themes where available. The publication summarizes typical utilization patterns, coding considerations relevant to arthroscopic hip procedures, and common modifiers used alongside this code (input provided separately). It also flags where input data is missing and lists areas for further review.
This content is intended for national audiences including clinicians, coding professionals, and payers who need a succinct reference to what CPT code 29861 represents, why it is clinically relevant, and what coverage and billing topics to consider when this hip arthroscopy service is provided.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 29861 describes an arthroscopic procedure of the hip joint to identify and remove loose or foreign bodies. The provider inspects the intra-articular tissues with an arthroscope and removes fragments such as broken cartilage or previously placed suture anchors that can cause pain, inflammation, scar tissue, adhesions, and restricted joint motion.
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Service type: Surgical arthroscopy with removal of loose/foreign bodies
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Typical site of service: Operative setting such as an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department where hip arthroscopy is performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old recreational runner presents with progressive deep anterior hip pain, mechanical catching, and intermittent sharp episodes after a prior labral repair performed two years earlier. Physical exam demonstrates limited internal rotation and positive impingement signs. Imaging (plain radiographs and MRI arthrogram) shows intra-articular loose bodies adjacent to the femoral head and labral suture anchor prominence with associated synovitis. Conservative care including NSAIDs, activity modification, and a supervised physical therapy program over 3 months produced incomplete relief.
In the clinical workflow the orthopedic surgeon schedules an operative hip arthroscopy under general anesthesia. Preoperative consent documents the planned diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopic removal of loose or foreign bodies using an arthroscope. Intraoperatively the surgeon inspects the central and peripheral compartments of the hip, identifies loose cartilage fragments and a protruding suture anchor, and removes these with small graspers and a motorized shaver. Tissue is sent to pathology if indicated. Postoperative recovery includes short-term opioid analgesia as needed, prescribed physical therapy focused on range-of-motion and gait restoration, and routine follow-up visits to monitor healing and return to activity. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. Service type is surgical, minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy of the hip.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
59 |