Cigna Knee Meniscectomy prior authorization requirements (2026)
What Cigna generally requires to approve Knee Meniscectomy (CPT 29880, 29881, 29882, 29883), for Commercial plans. Yes. Cigna generally requires prior authorization for Knee Meniscectomy (CPT 29880, 29881, 29882, 29883).
Medical-necessity criteria Cigna generally applies
Cigna administers meniscectomy/meniscal-repair prior authorization through eviCore CMM-312 (Knee Surgery). Meniscectomy or meniscal repair may be considered medically necessary for a symptomatic meniscal tear with mechanical symptoms (locking, catching, effusion) and exam/imaging correlation, after appropriate conservative care where the tear is degenerative. Specific indications are defined in CMM-312.
Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity
ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Knee Meniscectomy. Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current Cigna policy.
Sources & verification
- BindingPayer medical policy.View
Binding = the payer's own policy. Proxy = a public, evidence-based clinical guideline the payer mirrors. Portal-only = the binding criteria are confirmed in the administrator's portal. Always confirm against the payer for the member's specific plan. Last verified 2026-06-13.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cigna require prior authorization for Knee Meniscectomy?
Yes. Cigna generally requires prior authorization for Knee Meniscectomy (CPT 29880, 29881, 29882, 29883).
What does Cigna require to approve Knee Meniscectomy?
Cigna administers meniscectomy/meniscal-repair prior authorization through eviCore CMM-312 (Knee Surgery). Meniscectomy or meniscal repair may be considered medically necessary for a symptomatic meniscal tear with mechanical symptoms (locking, catching, effusion) and exam/imaging correlation, after appropriate conservative care where the tear is degenerative. Specific indications are defined in CM… Always confirm against the current Cigna policy.
How long does a Cigna prior authorization take?
Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the Cigna portal for current timeframes.
Submitting Knee Meniscectomy to Cigna?
Praxigen checks your clinical note against these criteria before you submit and drafts a policy-cited appeal if it is denied. You review and submit; nothing is sent automatically.