CPT 21240: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroplasty with Autograft
CPT code 21240 represents temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroplasty performed with autogenous graft material to repair, reposition, or replace TMJ structures. This surgical procedure addresses functional impairment of the jaw and is relevant to craniofacial, oral and maxillofacial, and otolaryngologic surgical practices. Nationally, TMJ arthroplasty is a specialized procedure with implications for surgical capacity, payer coverage policies, and episode-of-care management.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and sites of service, common billing considerations, and where to look for payer-specific coverage rules. The publication summarizes typical utilization settings (inpatient and ambulatory surgical centers), highlights the procedural focus on autograft use, and identifies operational issues that affect coding and claims processing.
This summary equips clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts with the essentials: what CPT code 21240 denotes, why it matters across payers, and the types of benchmarks and policy details to review when managing TMJ arthroplasty cases.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 21240 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 21240 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 21240 describes an arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using autogenous graft material obtained from the patient. The procedure involves surgical reconstruction or replacement of components of the TMJ (the hinge connecting the lower jaw to the temporal bone) to restore or improve jaw function.
Service Type: Surgical — TMJ arthroplasty with autograft
Typical Site of Service: Inpatient or outpatient operating room / surgical center, depending on clinical complexity and patient needs.