27403 Repair of knee cartilage
Also known as: cartilage repair, knee chondroplasty, cartilage transplant
Surgical repair of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage defects within the knee joint, including cartilage grafting, abrasion arthroplasty, or other cartilage-preserving techniques.
In Plain Language
fixing knee cartilage; cartilage repair
Clinical Context
Used for focal cartilage lesions, osteochondral defects, chondral injuries from trauma or degenerative disease. Aims to restore joint surface and prevent osteoarthritis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 8.40 |
| Total RVU | 8.40 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 8.40, this code ranks in the 52nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27403?
CPT 27403 (Repair of knee cartilage) is a Surgery code. Surgical repair of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage defects within the knee joint, including cartilage grafting, abrasion arthroplasty, or other cartilage-preserving techniques.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27403?
The work RVU for CPT 27403 is 8.40. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Joint Preservation. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27403 used?
Used for focal cartilage lesions, osteochondral defects, chondral injuries from trauma or degenerative disease. Aims to restore joint surface and prevent osteoarthritis.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.