Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Prosthesis Insertion Is Not Unlisted

Question: I performed a patellofemoral joint arthroplasty during which I inserted a prosthesis. Should I report the unlisted-procedure code (27599) for this service?

Missouri Subscriber
 
Answer: You should not report 27599 (Unlisted procedure, femur or knee) for this service, because CPT includes a code that describes this procedure more accurately. You should instead report 27438 (Arthroplasty, patella; with prosthesis).
 
Patellofemoral joint arthroplasty with prosthesis involves removal of intercondylar notch osteophytes and resurfacing of the femoral trochlea and patella with insertion of patellar and femoral trochlear implants.

Other Articles in this issue of

Orthopedic Coding Alert

View All