Summary & Overview
CPT 27132: Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty
CPT 27132 covers conversion of prior hip surgery to a total hip arthroplasty, a major reconstructive procedure that addresses failed or inadequate previous hip operations by implanting a total hip prosthesis. Nationally, this code is critical for orthopedic surgeons, hospital billing teams, and payers because it captures a complex, resource-intensive surgery commonly performed in inpatient and ambulatory surgical center settings. Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find a concise reference to the clinical scope of CPT 27132, typical sites of service, and the common clinical indications that prompt conversion to total hip arthroplasty. The publication outlines how this code interacts with related surgical services and highlights common billing considerations such as typical modifiers and associated ICD-10 diagnoses. It also summarizes comparable CPT entries used in hip revision and osteotomy procedures to clarify coding distinctions.
Intended as a practical briefing, the content provides benchmarks for coding context, payer coverage landscape, and clinical framing without offering treatment recommendations. Where specific service-line or local policy details are unavailable, the publication notes that data is not available in the input.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 27132 describes the conversion of a previous hip surgery to a total hip arthroplasty, with or without autograft or allograft. This procedure involves removing, revising, or converting prior hip hardware or constructs and implanting a total hip prosthesis to restore hip joint function.
Service Type: Repair, Revision, and/or Reconstruction Procedures on the Pelvis and Hip Joint
Typical Site of Service: Hospital inpatient or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient with prior hip surgery (for example, internal fixation or an earlier partial arthroplasty) presents with progressive pain, decreased joint function, implant failure, loosening, infection, or tumor involvement of the hip. Preoperative assessment includes history, physical exam, radiographs, CT or MRI as indicated, labs including inflammatory markers and infection workup, and medical clearance. The surgical workflow typically includes removal or conversion of the existing hardware or partial prosthesis, preparation of the acetabulum and femur, and placement of a total hip prosthesis; autograft or allograft may be used as needed for bone loss. Postoperative care includes inpatient or ambulatory surgical center monitoring, pain control, DVT prophylaxis, physical therapy, and follow-up imaging and clinic visits.
Coding Specifications
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Modifier
LT(Left side): Used when the procedure is performed on the left hip. -
Modifier
RT(Right side): Used when the procedure is performed on the right hip. -
Modifier
22(Increased Procedural Services): Used when documentation supports substantially greater work than typically required for the procedure; documentation must clearly describe the reasons for increased effort and time. -
Modifier
78(Unplanned Return to the Operating/Procedure Room): Used when the patient returns to the operating room for a related procedure during the global period; documentation must support the unplanned nature and relatedness.