27486 Revise/replace knee joint
Also known as: knee revision arthroplasty, TKA revision
Surgical revision of a total knee arthroplasty with prosthetic component replacement or adjustment, typically a primary revision of a failed total knee replacement.
In Plain Language
fixing a knee replacement
Clinical Context
Used for failure of primary total knee arthroplasty including loosening, wear, infection (chronic), or instability.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 20.59 |
| Total RVU | 20.59 |
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 20.59, this code ranks in the 83rd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27486?
CPT 27486 (Revise/replace knee joint) is a Surgery code. Surgical revision of a total knee arthroplasty with prosthetic component replacement or adjustment, typically a primary revision of a failed total knee replacement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27486?
The work RVU for CPT 27486 is 20.59. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Replacement. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27486 used?
Used for failure of primary total knee arthroplasty including loosening, wear, infection (chronic), or instability.
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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.