Advanced Search

Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Arthroplasty

Published on Wed Dec 26, 2012

Question: When doing a revision of a total joint arthroplasty, what code is used if: Only the acetabular liner is changed but the entire femoral component? The entire acetabular component is revised but only the femoral head? The femoral head and acetabular liner only? The codes available are 27134 (revision total hip arthroplasty), 27137 (revision of acetabular component only) or 27138 (revision of femoral component).

Is any revision to a component considered revision of the entire component? If part of each component is revised, such as femoral head and acetabular liner, is it a revision THA (total hip arthroplasty)? For a revision of knee arthroplasty, what code is used for exchange of tibial liner if tibial and femoral components are not revised?

Gayle Krupin
Detroit, Mich.

Answer: Consider the documentation on a case-by-case basis for each of these [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All