What insurance policy changes affect CPT 29860?

There are 7 tracked policy changes affecting CPT 29860, including updates from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana. Each change may modify coverage criteria, reimbursement rates, or prior-authorization requirements.

Which payers have updated policy for CPT 29860?

Payers that have issued tracked updates for CPT 29860 include: UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana.

How do I get notified when CPT 29860 policy changes?

Create a free account at PolicyChanges.app and save a search filtered to CPT 29860. You will receive a daily digest email whenever a new policy change references this code.

Why do payers change policies for CPT 29860?

Payers revise policies for individual billing codes to align with updated clinical guidelines, CMS rule changes, fraud and abuse prevention measures, or network cost-management goals. Changes can affect medical necessity criteria, place-of-service restrictions, bundling rules, or whether a code requires prior authorization.

29860 — A doctor uses a small camera inserted into your hip joint to look around and identify what's causing problems.: Insurance Policy Changes

29860 Insurance Policy Changes

CPT 29860, in plain terms, covers A doctor uses a small camera inserted into your hip joint to look around and identify what's causing problems. CPT 29860 is referenced in 7 tracked payer policy changes from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and 1 other payer. For billers and coders, staying current on payer-specific coverage criteria, reimbursement rules, and prior-authorization requirements for CPT 29860 is critical to clean claim submission. Each entry below links to the full policy analysis with effective dates and action steps.

High impact

Hip Preservation Surgery (CPB 0736, reviewed 2026-07-31)

Aetna·Effective Jul 31, 2026

Aetna has updated its Hip Preservation Surgery policy (CPB 0736) effective 2026-07-31, establishing strict medical necessity criteria for femoro-acetabular surgery, hip arthroscopy, and pelvic osteotomy. The policy requires documented labral pathology with imaging confirmation, 12 weeks of conservative treatment (including 6+ weeks formal in-person physical therapy), positive impingement signs, and absence of advanced osteoarthritis before surgery is covered. Multiple procedures including diagnostic hip arthroscopy, labral reconstruction, and various adjunctive procedures are classified as experimental/unproven and will not be covered.

29860 Insurance Policy Changes

Surgery of the Hip (for Nebraska Only)

Surgery of the Hip (for Tennessee Only)

Surgery of the Hip (for Pennsylvania Only)

Outpatient Surgical Procedures – Site of Service

Hip Preservation Surgery (CPB 0736, reviewed 2026-07-31)

Hip Arthroscopy - Medicare Advantage (Revised)

Hip Preservation Surgery (CPB 0736, reviewed 2026-10-26)