27396 Tendon transfer Medicare reimbursement rates in Iowa

An orthopedic surgeon redirects one tendon in the thigh by moving its attachment to a different site, changing the direction of its pull to improve movement or stability. This may be part of reconstructive surgery for a functional imbalance or loss of muscle action. The procedure is generally performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center; Medicare recorded facility services for this code in 2024 and no office services.

Select this code when the operative report supports transfer or transplantation of one thigh tendon; a transfer involving multiple tendons is distinguished by the multiple-tendon code. Documentation should identify the tendon, the original and new attachment sites, the reason for redirecting its action, and the work performed. The 90-day global period includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. For multiple procedures in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and others at 50%. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery payment may be made; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.