CPT code 27415 identifies an open surgical procedure accessing the knee joint to place an allograft for repair of an osteochondral defect. This code is used to bill for operative management of focal cartilage and subchondral bone lesions when a direct, open approach and donor graft placement are performed. Nationally, procedures for osteochondral repair are clinically important due to implications for joint function, potential to delay or prevent arthroplasty, and costs associated with operative care and graft materials.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context, typical sites of service (hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers), and common billing considerations associated with open knee allograft procedures. The publication summarizes standard coding use, common modifier patterns (listed separately), and areas where policy and coverage criteria commonly affect payment and utilization. Where input data is incomplete, the text notes that the specific items are not available.

This resource is intended for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a concise national summary of CPT code 27415, including the procedure it represents and the payer landscape most relevant to its administration.