UMR Knee Arthroscopy prior authorization requirements (2026)

What UMR generally requires to approve Knee Arthroscopy (CPT 29875, 29876, 29877, 29879), for commercial plans. Prior authorization requirements vary by plan. Confirm with UMR for Knee Arthroscopy (CPT 29875, 29876, 29877, 29879).

General reference compiled from public sources, last verified 2026-06-26. This is not a coverage determination or medical advice. Always confirm current requirements with UMR before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria UMR generally applies

UMR administers self-funded plans and applies the published UnitedHealthcare/UMR Medical Policy library for clinical criteria; an Outpatient Surgical Procedures Site-of-Service policy may also apply. WHETHER prior authorization is required is plan/employer-group-specific — run the per-member Prior Authorization Requirement Search tool on umr.com before scheduling. No universal UMR threshold is published for knee arthroscopy.

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Knee Arthroscopy. Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current UMR policy.

M23.209Derangement of unspecified meniscus due to old tear or injury, unspecified knee

How to submit

  • Method: UMR provider portal (per-member PA tool)
  • Portal: UMR

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — UMR Medical & Drug Policies (UHC-published) + UMR per-member Prior Authorization tool.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 2026-06-26.

Frequently asked questions

Does UMR require prior authorization for Knee Arthroscopy?

Prior authorization requirements vary by plan. Confirm with UMR for Knee Arthroscopy (CPT 29875, 29876, 29877, 29879).

What does UMR require to approve Knee Arthroscopy?

UMR administers self-funded plans and applies the published UnitedHealthcare/UMR Medical Policy library for clinical criteria; an Outpatient Surgical Procedures Site-of-Service policy may also apply. WHETHER prior authorization is required is plan/employer-group-specific — run the per-member Prior Authorization Requirement Search tool on umr.com before scheduling. No universal UMR threshold is pub… Always confirm against the current UMR policy.

How long does a UMR prior authorization take?

Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the UMR portal for current timeframes.

Submitting Knee Arthroscopy to UMR?

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.

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Other UMR prior authorization requirements

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and FusionArthroplasty (Joint Replacement)Arthroscopic Hip Surgery for Impingement Syndrome Including Labral RepairArtificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine)Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Lumbar Spine)Cervical, Lumbar and Thoracic Laminectomy and/or Laminotomy ProceduresDorsal Column (Lumbar) Neurostimulators: Trial or ImplantationKnee MeniscectomyPain Management ProceduresShoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff RepairSpinal Fusion SurgeryVertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty

Related guides

Why was my prior authorization denied? Top reasons and how to fix eachHow to write a prior authorization appeal that cites policy