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CPT 27438 Fee Schedule

Last Verified: September 2026

Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address high-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.

Arthroplasty, Patella; W Prosthesis
Key FactDetail
Service Type

Surgery

Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System

Common Place of Service

22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital

24 - Ambulatory Surgical Center

Common Modifiers

None

RT - Right side of body

LT - Left side of body

Complexity LevelHigh
Medicare Fee ScheduleView Medicare rates for 27438
Medicaid Fee ScheduleView Medicaid rates for 27438

National average reimbursement for CPT 27438 by major payers:

bcbs

$1,117.80

uhc

$1,136.20

aetna

$1,177.25

cigna

$1,379.85

Compare published rates across providers.

Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for CPT 27438.

CPT 27438
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
  1. Saint Luke'S North Surgery Center, LLC

    Saint Lukes North Surgery Center LLC

    MOAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1356124309Tax ID 92-0591506

    $15,525.00Published rate
  2. Phoenix Spine Goodyear Asc, LLC, Phoenix Spine Surgery Center

    Phoenix Spine Goodyear, Ltd.

    AZAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1891175188Tax ID 56-2311366

    $6,492.00Published rate
  3. Eye And Laser Surgery Centers Of New Jersey LLC

    NJAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1770907172Tax ID 46-2875016

    $4,250.00Published rate
  4. Lakeside Surgery LLC, Lakeside Surgery Center

    Lakeside Surgery Center, LLC

    FLAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1477507168Tax ID 75-2714441

    $2,539.00Published rate
  5. South Georgia Endoscopy Center, Inc

    South Georgia Endoscopy Center Inc

    GAAmbulatory Surgical Clinic/CenterNPI 1841304797Tax ID 59-3737668

    $967.00Published rate

National sample. Rates vary by location, specialty, and contract.

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CPT 27438 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Codes

The CPT 27438 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.

The CPT 27438 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.

CodeComplexityDescription
27438-CPTHighArthroplasty, Patella; W Prosthesis
27440-CPTHighArthroplasty Knee Tibial Plateau
27442-CPTHighKnee Joint Replacement Surgery, Surgery To Replace The Damaged Ends Of A Knee Joint (Cartilage) With Artificial Parts Where It Joins The Leg (Femur) Bone.
27486-CPTHighRevisn Of Total Knee Arthroplst W//W/O Allogrft; 1 Comp, Revision Of Total Knee Arthroplasty With Or Without Allograft; 1 Comp

What is a fee schedule?

A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 27438. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.

Understanding the 27438 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.

Factors that affect fee schedules


Medicare & Medicaid Rates

Government-set reimbursement amounts


Private Insurance Rates

Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies


Geographic Location

Costs may be higher in urban areas.


Provider Type

Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.

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