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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Prosthesis Insertion Is Not Unlisted

Published on Fri Aug 08, 2003

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.
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