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Arthroscopic Lavage and Arthroscopic Debridement for the Osteoarthritic Knee

Arthroscopic lavage alone for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, and arthroscopic debridement for presentation of knee pain only or arthroscopic debridement and lavage with or without debridement for patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee are noncovered. All other indications of debridement for the subpopulation of patients without severe osteoarthritis of the knee
who present with symptoms other than pain alone remain at contractor discretion.

Download the Guidance Document

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: June 10, 2004

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.