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Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MississippiAll Plans · Billing Codes · Medical Policy · Orthopedics, Sports MedicineMedium impact

Meniscal Allografts and Other Meniscal Implants

Effective date
Not stated in the notice
Identified
Jun 20, 2026

Summary

This Blue Cross Blue Shield policy states that meniscal allograft transplantation may be considered medically necessary in individuals who have had a prior meniscectomy and have symptoms on the affected side, when all listed criteria are met. The criteria include disabling knee pain refractory to conservative treatment, absence or near absence (more than 50%) of the meniscus, minimal to absent diffuse degenerative changes, and normal knee biomechanics or alignment and stability achieved concurrently with the transplant. Other meniscal implants incorporating materials such as collagen are considered investigational. The 03/26/2026 policy update removed the ICD-9 procedure and diagnosis codes.

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What to do

Action · 6 steps
01Billing team: Bill CPT 29868 for meniscal allograft transplantation only when the criteria in the policy are met, and document in the patient record that the individual had a prior meniscectomy, has symptoms on the affected side, and has disabling knee pain with activity that is refractory to conservative treatment.
02Also document the absence or near absence (more than 50%) of the meniscus, established by imaging or prior surgery, and the minimal to absent diffuse degenerative changes in the surrounding articular cartilage.
03Document normal knee biomechanics or alignment and stability achieved concurrently with the transplant.
04Treat collagen meniscal implant procedures, including HCPCS G0428, as investigational.
05The listed codes are medically necessary only when the procedure is performed according to the policy, and the policy states that no payment is made for services not documented to be medically necessary.
06For Federal Employee Program members, FDA-approved devices may not be considered investigational and may be assessed only on the basis of medical necessity.

Codes mentioned

29868G0428Q68.6M23.90M23.91M23.92M23.8X1M23.8X2M23.8X9M23.000M23.009M23.200M23.201M23.207M23.300M23.307M23.309S83.211AS83.200AS83.289AS83.251AS83.30XAS83.31XAS83.32XA

Original notice

Meniscal Allografts and Other Meniscal Implants
bcbsms.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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