Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: How do you code for removal of Vanguard prosthesis, to placing the femoral and entire tibial components?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: There are different choices for procedures like these. According to the AMA, you can report 27487 (Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft; femoral and entire tibial component). You can also report code 27447 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial AND lateral compartments with or without patella resurfacing [total knee arthroplasty]) - 22 (Increased Procedural Services). Another potential code is 20680 (Removal of implant; deep [eg, buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod or plate]).