AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 8 (August)
Learning by Example: CPT Code 29889 (August 2001)
August 2001 pages 8-9 Clinical Example Learning by Example: CPT Code 29889 In our continuing series of clinical examples, this month we provide a clinical description of code 29889 , Arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction. Remember, this describes only the typical case. You should review all available information before choosing the appropriate CPT code(s) for your specific case. The Case Typical patient: A 21-year-old skier tore the posterior cruciate ligament, requiring arthroscopically aided ligament reconstruction. Preoperative work: Includes obtaining and reviewing pre-procedural imaging and laboratory studies; consulting with the referring physician, if necessary, and other health care...
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Article Overview
This article presents a CPT clinical example focused on a knee ligament procedure and the full perioperative workflow surrounding it. It is useful for coding professionals who want to understand how the case is framed, what clinical and operative elements are described, and how CPT Assistant uses examples to support code selection awareness.
Why This Topic Matters
Clinical example articles help coders and auditors interpret procedure documentation in context and compare a real-world operative narrative with CPT guidance. This matters for accurate CPT code identification, documentation review, and training around arthroscopic orthopedic procedures.
Article Sections
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Clinical Example
Introduces the example case and frames the article as a typical clinical scenario for an orthopedic procedure. It also notes that the case is illustrative and intended to be reviewed alongside the full record.
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The Case
Describes the patient scenario and summarizes the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative activities associated with the procedure. The narrative follows the operative workflow and supporting services in a typical case.
What You Will Learn
- What type of clinical example the article presents
- How the perioperative workflow is organized in the example
- What broad operative elements are described in the case narrative
- How CPT Assistant uses clinical examples to support coding education
Who Should Read This
- CPT coders
- coding auditors
- orthopedic surgery coding staff
- medical documentation reviewers
- health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
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