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Arthroplasty of the patella, specifically coded as CPT® 27437, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at addressing degenerative diseases affecting the patellofemoral joint. This procedure is performed without the use of a prosthesis, focusing instead on the restoration of the patella's function and structure. The surgery begins with an incision made over the anteromedial aspect of the knee, allowing access to the joint capsule. Once the joint capsule is exposed and incised, the surgeon inspects the patellofemoral joint for any abnormalities, such as osteophytes, which are bony growths that can impede joint movement. These osteophytes are excised to facilitate better joint function. During the procedure, the patellar cartilage is carefully inspected, and any overgrowth is removed to smooth the articular surface of the patella. This smoothing is crucial for ensuring proper patellar tracking, which is the movement of the patella as the knee flexes and extends. After addressing the cartilage and ensuring that the patella tracks correctly, the incisions are closed in layers to promote optimal healing. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from pain and dysfunction due to degenerative changes in the patellofemoral joint, providing them with improved mobility and quality of life.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure coded as CPT® 27437 is indicated for patients experiencing degenerative disease of the patellofemoral joint. This condition may manifest as pain, reduced mobility, and dysfunction in the knee joint, particularly affecting the patella's ability to track properly during movement. The following specific indications may warrant the performance of this arthroplasty:
The procedure for CPT® 27437 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the patellofemoral joint. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care following CPT® 27437 involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing. Patients are typically advised to follow a rehabilitation program that may include physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion in the knee. Pain management strategies may also be implemented to address discomfort during the recovery phase. It is essential for patients to adhere to their surgeon's instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
| Short Descr | REVISE KNEECAP | Medium Descr | ARTHROPLASTY PATELLA W/O PROSTHESIS | Long Descr | Arthroplasty, patella; without prosthesis | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 152 - Arthroplasty knee |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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