HCPCS 29881

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment, when performed

AI EXPLANATION: Arthroscopic knee surgery is an outpatient procedure used to examine and treat damage inside the knee joint. A surgeon makes small incisions to insert a miniature camera, called an arthroscope, alongside thin surgical tools. Through these small openings, the surgeon inspects the joint, trims or removes torn cartilage in the shock-absorbing meniscus, and smooths roughened joint surfaces to restore smoother joint function and reduce pain.