Orthopedic CPT Codes: The Complete Cheat Sheet

Key Takeaways:

• Orthopedic CPT codes classify every diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic procedure for musculoskeletal care—accuracy directly affects reimbursement.

• Key code types include E/M (consults), surgical, arthroscopy, injection, fracture care, and imaging codes.

• Common pain points in coding musculoskeletal surgeries: modifier misuse, bundling confusion, incomplete documentation, and global period errors.

• ICD-10 codes must align with CPT codes to justify medical necessity and avoid denials.

• AI-driven RCM tools help orthopedic billing teams reduce errors, predict denials, and maintain compliance with payer rules.

Most orthopedic billing teams eventually hit a wall. You know the procedures inside out, but translating them into the right CPT codes? That’s where things get complicated.

It’s not the lack of skill that causes issues; it’s the volume of details. Each surgery can involve multiple steps, modifiers, and global periods—and one small mistake can delay payment for weeks.

In this guide, we break down the essential orthopedic CPT codes, explaining how to document them correctly and sharing practical ways to simplify your coding process without losing accuracy.

What Are Orthopedic CPT Codes?

Orthopedic CPT codes are the standardized five-digit procedural codes used to describe the medical, surgical, and diagnostic services provided by orthopedic specialists. These codes, maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA), ensure consistent reporting of musculoskeletal care—from evaluations and injections to complex spine or joint surgeries.

Types of Orthopedic CPT Codes

Orthopedic care covers a wide range of services, so CPT codes are grouped into specific categories (as shown in the image below):

Orthopedic Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes

These codes represent consultations, office visits, and hospital care by orthopedic specialists. After the 2021 E/M coding changes, documentation now depends on medical decision-making (MDM) and time spent, not just volume of notes.

Here are some common orthopedic E/M codes used:

CPT Codes Orthopedic Surgery

These codes account for the bulk of orthopedic revenue. They include procedures for bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and the spine. Each code carries its own global period (usually 90 days) and requires detailed operative notes.

The table below highlights some common CPT codes for orthopedic surgery:

What Are Some Common Challenges in Coding Musculoskeletal Surgeries?

Even experienced coders find musculoskeletal surgeries difficult to code accurately. These procedures often involve multiple components, such as bone work, implants, grafts, and extensive post-op care—each with its own documentation and modifier requirements. 

Here’s what makes musculoskeletal surgery coding challenging:

• Bundling confusion: Many component services are included in surgical packages; improper unbundling triggers denials.
• Modifier Misuse: Incorrect use of modifiers like -59 or -25 causes claim rejections and audits.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing operative details, laterality, or implant information leads to underpayment.
• Global Period Errors: Routine post-op visits billed separately during the 90-day period get denied.‍
• Prior Authorization Issues: High-value spine and joint procedures often require pre-approval.

Note: These CPT codes for orthopedic surgery often involve implants and modifiers like RT/LT (laterality) or -59 (distinct service) to differentiate multiple procedures.

Arthroscopy Codes for Orthopedics

Arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive surgeries performed on joints like the shoulder, knee, or hip. Coding must capture the joint, compartments treated, and laterality.

The table below lists some of the common arthroscopy orthopedic CPT codes:

Injection and Aspiration Codes For Orthopedics

Used for pain relief, diagnostics, and inflammation management, these codes are among the most frequently billed in orthopedics.

Here are some common injection and aspiration codes:

Note: For all injection procedures, documentation must specify: medical necessity, medication used, laterality, and anatomical site.

Orthopedic Fracture Care Codes

Fracture coding depends on the treatment type, not the fracture itself. Coders must know whether the fracture was managed closed, open, or percutaneously.

The table below highlights some common orthopedic fracture care codes:

Note: To qualify for billing, documentation should demonstrate active management of the fracture, not just diagnosis or pain control.

Imaging and Diagnostic Codes For Orthopedics

Imaging plays a crucial role in orthopedic diagnosis and follow-up. These codes often require prior authorization.

Some common imaging and diagnostic codes for orthopedics are highlighted below:

Orthopedic ICD-10 Codes and Billing Modifiers

CPT codes describe what was done, while orthopedic ICD-10 codes explain why it was done. Accurate pairing of diagnosis and procedure codes is essential for clean claims.

Here are some common ICD-10 codes for orthopedics:

Modifiers are appended to CPT codes in orthopedic billing to clarify the specifics of a service, particularly any aspects that differ from the usual scenario. Using the correct modifiers ensures correct reimbursement and minimizes denials.

Here are some key orthopedic billing modifiers:

Support Your Orthopedic Coding Efforts with AI

Orthopedic billing is intricate by nature, spanning complex surgeries, multi-layered coding rules, and constant payer changes. Managing that complexity requires more than diligence; it calls for structured systems, accurate documentation, and tools that make precision routine instead of optional.

At CombineHealth, our focus is on helping orthopedic RCM teams work smarter through automation and data-driven accuracy. By supporting coders and billers with AI-enabled checks, smarter validation, and real-time insights, our orthopedic billing and coding AI agents help build a workflow that gives your teams confidence their claims are right the first time.

Book a demo to learn more!

FAQs

What is CPT in orthopedics?

In orthopedics, CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are standardized five-digit identifiers created by the American Medical Association (AMA) to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services.

What are the most common orthopedic CPT codes?

Common orthopedic CPT codes include 99202–99215 for patient visits, 20610 for joint injections, 29827 for rotator cuff repair, 27447 for total knee arthroplasty, and 27130 for hip replacement. Other frequently used codes cover fracture care, imaging, and arthroscopic procedures that require precise documentation and modifier use.

How do orthopedic CPT codes differ from other specialty codes in structure and application?

Orthopedic CPT codes fall within the 20000–29999 “Musculoskeletal System” range, focusing on bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. They differ from other specialties by including global surgical periods, complex modifier rules, and detailed documentation requirements for laterality, implants, and multi-step surgical procedures.