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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

CCI Says 27446 With 27438 Is OK

Published on Sun Aug 17, 2008

Question: I have a physician who is doing a medial unicompartmental replacement and a patella resurfacing. Should I code this with 27446 and 27438-59? Arizona Subscriber Answer: You should be able to report 27446 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial OR lateral compartment) and 27438 (Arthroplasty, patella; with prosthesis) together. CCI edits do not bundle 27446 and 27438, so you do not need to append 59 (Distinct procedural service) for separate payment.
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