27435 Incision of knee joint
Also known as: knee arthrotomy, knee incision, open knee arthroscopy
Surgical incision or arthrotomy of the knee joint to expose joint structures for inspection, removal of loose bodies, debridement, or other intra-articular procedures.
In Plain Language
opening the knee to treat a problem inside
Clinical Context
Used for loose body removal, intra-articular fractures, complex ligament repairs requiring open exposure, or synovial pathology.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.61 |
| Total RVU | 10.61 |
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 10.61, this code ranks in the 61st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27435?
CPT 27435 (Incision of knee joint) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision or arthrotomy of the knee joint to expose joint structures for inspection, removal of loose bodies, debridement, or other intra-articular procedures.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27435?
The work RVU for CPT 27435 is 10.61. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Knee Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27435 used?
Used for loose body removal, intra-articular fractures, complex ligament repairs requiring open exposure, or synovial pathology.
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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.