CMS recently released the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule and identified seven high volume current procedural terminology (CPT) codes as potentially misvalued, among which were 27130 (total hip arthroplasty) and 27447 (total knee arthroplasty). CMS requested the RUC (Relative Value Update Committee) of the American Medical Association re-evaluate the work for these procedures.

AAHKS does not believe that these codes should be reviewed at this time; however, we intend to participate in any process involving the valuation of hip and knee procedures in order to preserve patient access. We are in discussions with AMA RUC staff, as well as representatives of the medical societies that are involved with the other five codes identified by CMS. As this process moves forward, we will continue to provide regular updates and education about this issue.

Read the AAHKS press release and the AAOS press release.