CPT 29881
Global 090 ActiveArthrs kne srg mnisectmy m/l
CPT 29881 Billing & Documentation Guide
CPT code 29881 (Arthrs kne srg mnisectmy m/l) is classified under Surgery (Musculoskeletal) with a global period indicator of 090. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 6.85, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 7.19, and a malpractice RVU of 1.4, a total non-facility RVU of 15.44 and facility RVU of 15.44. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $524.13, though rates vary from $459.17 to $625.33 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).
When billing 29881, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 29881 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).
Payment Status & Global Period
Active code (paid under MPFS)
90-day global period (major surgery: 1 day pre-op + procedure + 90 days post-op)
MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)
Submitting more than 1 units of 29881 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.
RVU Breakdown, CPT 29881
| Component | Non-Facility | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Work RVU | 6.85 | 6.85 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 7.19 | 7.19 |
| Malpractice RVU | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Total RVU | 15.44 | 15.44 |
| Conversion Factor | $33.4009 | |
2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 29881
State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.
| State | Non-Facility | Facility | Range (Non-Fac) | Localities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $546.52 | $546.52 | $520.96 - $625.33 | 29 |
| Florida | $560.77 | $560.77 | $528.66 - $597.05 | 3 |
| Georgia | $514.19 | $514.19 | $498.75 - $529.64 | 2 |
| Illinois | $551.01 | $551.01 | $521.14 - $579.07 | 4 |
| Michigan | $520.12 | $520.12 | $500.85 - $539.38 | 2 |
| North Carolina | $482.74 | $482.74 | $482.74 - $482.74 | 1 |
| New York | $571.13 | $571.13 | $489.81 - $615.82 | 5 |
| Ohio | $495.19 | $495.19 | $495.19 - $495.19 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $516.08 | $516.08 | $493.45 - $538.7 | 2 |
| Texas | $509.92 | $509.92 | $490.78 - $533.44 | 8 |
Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.
NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 29881
Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 29881 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.
| Partner Code | Relationship | Modifier Allowed | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01250 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 01320 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 01400 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 01995 | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Anesthesia service included in surgical procedure |
| 0213T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0216T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0228T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0230T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | No | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
| 0566T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code |
| 0596T | Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier | Yes | Standards of medical/surgical practice |
Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 29881
What does CPT code 29881 mean? +
CPT code 29881 represents: Arthrs kne srg mnisectmy m/l. It's in the Surgery (Musculoskeletal) category with a global period of 090.
What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 29881? +
The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 29881 is $524.13. Rates range from $459.17 to $625.33 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.
What modifiers can I use with CPT 29881? +
Surgery codes commonly use modifier 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 58/78/79 (staged, unplanned return, unrelated within global), 62 (co-surgeons), 80/82 (assistant surgeon), and 59 or the X{EPSU} subset for distinct procedural service.
What bundling edits apply to CPT 29881? +
This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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