CPT code 27138 represents a revision hip arthroplasty in which the previously implanted prosthesis is removed and the femoral component is replaced. This procedure is a common but resource-intensive orthopedic operation with implications for surgical outcomes, device selection, and post-operative care. Nationally, revision hip arthroplasty drives significant utilization and cost considerations within inpatient and outpatient surgical settings, and accurate coding affects quality measurement, coverage determination, and provider reimbursement.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of service definitions and sites of care, benchmark considerations for utilization and coding consistency, and a summary of policy and coverage trends pertinent to hip revision procedures. The publication outlines clinical context for when femoral-component-only revisions are performed, common modifiers that may accompany this code, and typical documentation elements that support medical necessity. It also highlights areas where payer policy language often diverges—such as inpatient versus outpatient setting criteria, bundled payment implications, and orthopedics-specific prior authorization practices.

The content is intended for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a national perspective on CPT code 27138, offering practical clarity on what the code represents, how it is used across payers, and which topics to monitor for policy or reimbursement updates.