27447 Total knee arthroplasty
Also known as: total knee arthroplasty, TKA, knee replacement, total knee replacement, knee arthroplasty
Surgical removal and replacement of all components of a primary total knee arthroplasty (femoral, tibial, and patellar if included) with new prosthetic components.
In Plain Language
knee replacement surgery
Clinical Context
Used for severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or severe knee dysfunction unresponsive to conservative treatment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 19.11 |
| Total RVU | 19.11 |
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 19.11, this code ranks in the 81st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27447?
CPT 27447 (Total knee arthroplasty) is a Surgery code. Surgical removal and replacement of all components of a primary total knee arthroplasty (femoral, tibial, and patellar if included) with new prosthetic components.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27447?
The work RVU for CPT 27447 is 19.11. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Replacement, Knee Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27447 used?
Used for severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or severe knee dysfunction unresponsive to conservative treatment.
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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.