CPT code 0055T captures intraoperative use of computer-assisted surgical navigation that employs CT or MRI imaging to guide and validate the selection and positioning of hip or knee implants. This technology-supported service aims to improve prosthesis alignment and placement during joint reconstruction or replacement procedures, with potential implications for surgical accuracy and patient outcomes.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a national-level overview of the clinical context for this image-guided navigation service, summaries of payer coverage trends, common billing considerations, and operational benchmarks where available. The publication outlines how the service is typically delivered in hospital operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers and highlights documentation and coding elements relevant to claims processing.

This summary provides clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts with concise context on why the code matters, which payers are relevant, and what topics are covered in the full publication, including payment benchmarks, policy updates, and clinical implications for orthopedic implant procedures.