27437 Patellar arthroplasty Medicare reimbursement rates in Rhode Island

An orthopedic surgeon performs this operation to reshape or reconstruct the kneecap’s joint surface without placing a prosthesis. It is used for selected patellar conditions where the operative plan addresses the patella itself, rather than replacing the patellar surface with an implant. The procedure is generally performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery setting. The operative report should identify the patellar condition, describe the work performed on the patella, and make clear that no prosthetic patellar component was implanted.

Select this code based on the documented procedure, not simply a diagnosis of patellar pain or cartilage disease. Distinguish it from patellar arthroplasty with a prosthesis and from procedures directed at recurrent patellar dislocation or broader knee replacement. Medicare assigns a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted; co-surgeons are paid only with supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.