CPT Administration Code: 27412 | Knee Implantation

Code Overview

CPT® administration code details for 27412.

CPT Code Descriptor Autologous chondrocyte implantation, knee

Code Category Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, Knee

Route / Technique Surgical Implantation

Code Type Initial / Primary Code

About Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, Knee – 27412

CPT 27412 describes autologous chondrocyte implantation into the knee, a surgical procedure in which previously harvested and cultured cartilage cells are implanted to repair a full-thickness cartilage defect. This is an open surgical procedure typically performed after a separate earlier biopsy/harvest procedure and laboratory cell culturing process. It is reported for the definitive implantation surgery itself, not for the cartilage harvest or cell culture preparation stages, which are reported using distinct codes.

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27412 RVU Breakdown & Medicare Reimbursement

Based on the CY 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule. National payment amounts, before geographic (GPCI) adjustment.

Component	Facility	Non-Facility
Work RVU — physician work	24.12	24.12
Practice Expense RVU — staff, supplies, equipment	15.50	15.50
Malpractice RVU — professional liability	5.13	5.13
Total RVUs	44.75	44.75
Medicare Payment — Total RVUs × $33.4009 CF	$1,494.69	$1,494.69

CY 2026 Medicare Conversion Factor: $33.4009. Facility and non-facility practice-expense RVUs are equal for this code.

27412 Locality-Adjusted Rates

Medicare payment varies by locality via GPCI adjustment. Log in to view rates for all 100+ Medicare localities.

Medicare Locality	Facility	Non-Facility
National (unadjusted)	$1,494.69	$1,494.69
Los Angeles–Long Beach, CA
Manhattan, NY
Houston, TX
Miami, FL

Drugs Commonly Billed with 27412

HCPCS-coded drugs frequently administered under this CPT code. The list below is not exhaustive.

HCPCS Code	Drug	HCPCS Descriptor
J7330	MACI	Autologous cultured chondrocytes, implant

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CPT Administration Codes?

CPT administration codes cover the work of giving a drug to a patient, such as an injection or an infusion. The drug itself is billed with its HCPCS J-code, and the administration is billed with a CPT code. Both go on the same claim. Learn More →

What is the Medicare Conversion Factor?

The conversion factor is the dollar amount CMS uses to turn a code's total RVUs into a Medicare payment. This page uses the CY 2026 conversion factor of $33.4009. CMS updates it every year in the Physician Fee Schedule final rule.

Facility vs. Non-Facility?

The non-facility rate applies in a physician office, where the practice pays for its own staff, supplies, and equipment, so the rate is usually higher. The facility rate applies in hospital outpatient departments and ASCs, where the facility bills for those costs separately.

How do I decide which administration code to use?

Pick the code that matches the type of drug, the route, and how long the administration takes. Start from the highest-ranking service you performed, then add the appropriate add-on codes for extra time or extra drugs. Manufacturer billing and coding guides often list suggested administration codes.

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CPT Administration Code: 27412 – Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation, Knee