Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Assess Total Knee Replacement

Published on Mon Apr 11, 2011

Question Can we bill code 27438 with 27487 for the revision of the total knee replacement since 27487 does not mention the patella?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer Revision of the patellar component is not reported separately in addition to code 27487 (Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft; femoral and entire tibial component). The code is inclusive of patellar component. Thus, you would not report code 27438 (Arthroplasty, patella; with prosthesis) with 27487 in this situation.

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