CPT 29876: Arthroscopic Major Synovectomy of Knee

Medicare pays $627 and commercial payers pay $2415 on average nationally for this procedure.

CPT code 29876 describes an arthroscopic major synovectomy of the knee in which the provider inspects the intra-articular structures and excises inflamed or damaged synovial tissue from two or more compartments (medial, lateral, or both), relieving pain and improving range of motion; this is a surgical arthroscopy procedure typically performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room using an arthroscope and specialized instruments.

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National Reimbursement Benchmarks

Medicare's mean rate of $627 sits notably below BUCA's average commercial mean of $2,414.90, showing that commercial arrangements captured by BUCA pay, on average, nearly four times Medicare for CPT 29876. That gap underscores a substantial differential between government reimbursement and the higher commercial-market mean represented by BUCA.

Dispersion measured by the interquartile range (P75–P25) varies meaningfully across payers. Blue Cross Blue Shield has the widest IQR at $2,747.30 (P75 $4,537.10 minus P25 $1,790.80), indicating large variability in contracted commercial rates. Aetna and UnitedHealth Group have moderate spreads of $643.50 and $730.90 respectively. Cigna is tighter with an IQR of $720.20, while BUCA’s IQR of $1,873.50 reflects substantial but smaller dispersion than BCBS. Medicare’s IQR is narrow at $56 (P75 $652 minus P25 $596).

National Payer Mean Reimbursement Rates

State Reimbursement Rates

State: Alaska1 / 51

Rate by payer

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 58-year-old patient with a history of progressive knee pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion presents with mechanical symptoms and failure of conservative therapy (physical therapy, NSAIDs, intra-articular steroid) for symptomatic knee synovitis and degenerative changes. Preoperative evaluation documents focal synovial hypertrophy and inflammatory synovitis on MRI and persistent pain localized to the medial and lateral compartments. The orthopaedic surgeon schedules an arthroscopic synovectomy of two or more compartments of the knee to excise inflamed synovium, reduce pain, and improve motion.

The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation and clearance, anesthesia (typically general or regional), arthroscopic portal placement, diagnostic inspection of the joint with an arthroscope, insertion of arthroscopic instruments, synovial excision from the involved compartments (medial, lateral, and/or suprapatellar), hemostasis, and arthroscopic lavage. Postoperative recovery involves PACU observation, discharge instructions, analgesia, and early range-of-motion physical therapy with scheduled follow-up for wound checks and functional assessment.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`29880`	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral including any shaving) (separate procedure)	May be performed in the same session if meniscal pathology is addressed in addition to synovectomy; payer bundling rules determine separate payment.

Related Modifiers

11 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…

Showing 1–10 of 11

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207X00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery Physician	An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated…
207XX0004X	Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Physician	Recognized by several state medical boards as a fellowship subspecialty program of orthopaedic surgery, foot and ankle surgeons deal with adult recons…
207XS0117X	Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine Physician	Recognized by several state medical boards as a fellowship subspecialty program of orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic surgeons of the spine deal with th…
252Y00000X	Early Intervention Provider Agency	Early intervention services are an effective way to address the needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. The servi…
2085R0205X	Radiological Physics Physician	A radiological physicist deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of roentgen rays, gamma rays from sealed sources, ultrasonic radiation…
2279P1004X	Pulmonary Diagnostics Registered Respiratory Therapist	Included in the area of pulmonary diagnostics are the following; collection and analysis of physiological specimens, interpretation of physiological d…
213EG0000X	Deactivated - Podiatrist
261QM0801X	Mental Health Clinic/Center (Including Community Mental Health Center)	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-06-01
Sites of Service	priority health	2026-06-01
Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Services	univerahealthcare	2026-05-21
Mm_0579_Coveragepositioncriteria_Anesthesia_Services_Selected_Nerve_Blocks	Cigna	2026-05-15
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Disorders	Blue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina	2026-04-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Disorders	Blue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina	2026-04-01

CPT 29800: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy, Diagnostic

CPT-29804-TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT-ARTHROSCOPY-TMJ-REPAIR

CPT 29804: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy

CPT-29805-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-WITH-SYNOVIAL-BIOPSY

CPT 29805: Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy with Synovial Biopsy

CPT-29806-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-CAPSULE-REPAIR

CPT 29806: Arthroscopy, Shoulder, Repair of Capsular Tear

CPT-29807-ARTHROSCOPIC-SLAP-LESION-REPAIR-SHOULDER

CPT 29807: Arthroscopic Repair of SLAP Lesion in Shoulder

CPT-29819-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-LOOSE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 29819: Arthroscopic Removal of Loose or Foreign Bodies, Shoulder

CPT-29820-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29820: Arthroscopic Synovectomy of Shoulder

CPT-29821-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29821: Arthroscopic Complete Synovectomy of Shoulder

CPT-29822-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-LIMITED-DEBRIDEMENT

CPT 29822: Arthroscopy, Shoulder, Limited Debridement

CPT-29823-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-DEBRIDEMENT-EXTENSIVE-TISSUE-EXCISION

CPT 29823: Arthroscopic Shoulder Extensive Excision/Debridement

Showing 1–10 of 75

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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State Reimbursement Rates

State: Alaska1 / 51

Rate by payer

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`29880`	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral including any shaving) (separate procedure)	May be performed in the same session if meniscal pathology is addressed in addition to synovectomy; payer bundling rules determine separate payment.

Related Modifiers

11 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
78	CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…	- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…

Showing 1–10 of 11

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207X00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery Physician	An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated…
207XX0004X	Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Physician	Recognized by several state medical boards as a fellowship subspecialty program of orthopaedic surgery, foot and ankle surgeons deal with adult recons…
207XS0117X	Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine Physician	Recognized by several state medical boards as a fellowship subspecialty program of orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic surgeons of the spine deal with th…
252Y00000X	Early Intervention Provider Agency	Early intervention services are an effective way to address the needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. The servi…
2085R0205X	Radiological Physics Physician	A radiological physicist deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of roentgen rays, gamma rays from sealed sources, ultrasonic radiation…
2279P1004X	Pulmonary Diagnostics Registered Respiratory Therapist	Included in the area of pulmonary diagnostics are the following; collection and analysis of physiological specimens, interpretation of physiological d…
213EG0000X	Deactivated - Podiatrist
261QM0801X	Mental Health Clinic/Center (Including Community Mental Health Center)	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Anesthesiology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric or Substance Use Disorders	Premera Bluecross	2026-07-01
Elective Inpatient Services (for Idaho Only)	UnitedHealthcare	2026-06-01
Sites of Service	priority health	2026-06-01
Coverage for Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)/Outpatient Facility and Anesthesia for Dental Services	univerahealthcare	2026-05-21
Mm_0579_Coveragepositioncriteria_Anesthesia_Services_Selected_Nerve_Blocks	Cigna	2026-05-15
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Disorders	Blue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina	2026-04-01
Intravenous Anesthetics for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Disorders	Blue Cross Blue Shield - North Carolina	2026-04-01

CPT 29800: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy, Diagnostic

CPT-29804-TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT-ARTHROSCOPY-TMJ-REPAIR

CPT 29804: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy

CPT-29805-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-WITH-SYNOVIAL-BIOPSY

CPT 29805: Diagnostic Shoulder Arthroscopy with Synovial Biopsy

CPT-29806-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-CAPSULE-REPAIR

CPT 29806: Arthroscopy, Shoulder, Repair of Capsular Tear

CPT-29807-ARTHROSCOPIC-SLAP-LESION-REPAIR-SHOULDER

CPT 29807: Arthroscopic Repair of SLAP Lesion in Shoulder

CPT-29819-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-LOOSE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 29819: Arthroscopic Removal of Loose or Foreign Bodies, Shoulder

CPT-29820-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29820: Arthroscopic Synovectomy of Shoulder

CPT-29821-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29821: Arthroscopic Complete Synovectomy of Shoulder

CPT-29822-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-LIMITED-DEBRIDEMENT

CPT 29822: Arthroscopy, Shoulder, Limited Debridement

CPT-29823-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-DEBRIDEMENT-EXTENSIVE-TISSUE-EXCISION

CPT 29823: Arthroscopic Shoulder Extensive Excision/Debridement

Showing 1–10 of 75

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

CPT 29876: Arthroscopic Major Synovectomy of Knee

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National Reimbursement Benchmarks

CPT 29876: Arthroscopic Major Synovectomy of Knee

Sign up for cpt 29876 policy alerts

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

CPT 29876: Arthroscopic Major Synovectomy of Knee

Sign up for cpt 29876 policy alerts

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

CPT 29876: Arthroscopic Major Synovectomy of Knee

Sign up for cpt 29876 policy alerts

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What clinical scenario and service does CPT 29876 describe?

Which modifiers are commonly referenced for billing CPT 29876?

How do reimbursement rates for CPT 29876 compare between Medicare and commercial payers?

Can CPT 29876 be billed with other arthroscopic knee procedure codes in the same session?

What clinical indications and perioperative workflow are described for CPT 29876?

References

State Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What clinical scenario and service does CPT 29876 describe?

Which modifiers are commonly referenced for billing CPT 29876?

How do reimbursement rates for CPT 29876 compare between Medicare and commercial payers?

Can CPT 29876 be billed with other arthroscopic knee procedure codes in the same session?

What clinical indications and perioperative workflow are described for CPT 29876?

References