Total knee or hip joint replacement
Applies to:
- All plans
- Medicare plans follow Medicare coverage and billing rules
Joint replacement authorizations
Participating surgeons and facilities should use the online Auth Request tool to enter procedure codes and request authorization for total hip and total knee replacement.
Non-participating providers should use our authorization forms.
Post-surgical therapy authorizations
Post-surgical therapy in a sub-acute rehab facility requires prior authorization. Approval is subject to medical criteria and based on the patient's needs at the time of hospitalization and discharge. Examples:
- If a patient is walking several feet with an aide, the appropriate next level of care would be outpatient or in-home therapy.
- Patients who are older with multiple co-morbidities and who have caregivers who are unable to provide assistance may need a brief stay in a sub-acute rehab facility.
Patient education recommendations
Your patients need all of the facts when considering surgery. For elective total knee and hip replacements, planning for pre- and post-acute care is also essential. Here are some steps we recommend to prepare your patients for optimal surgical outcomes.
Pre-surgery education
Register your patient to be emailed the Emmi® pre-surgical Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement education video.
Have your patient attend "joint camp" or a similar pre/post-surgery education session at your affiliate provider office or hospital.
Plan for care following surgery
A caregiver is necessary
Encourage the patient to plan for a caregiver at home following surgery.
Post-surgical therapy
Let your patient know that you'll arrange for therapy after surgery based on how well they do while still in the hospital.
You may refer your patient to therapy in an outpatient facility, in the patient's home or in a sub-acute rehab facility, depending on needs identified while the patient is in the hospital. (Note that literature indicates an increased risk of infection if transitioning to a sub-acute facility.)
Authorization tools
In prism, you can request a new authorization or check an auth's status.
Total joint replacement surgery reference documents
- Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Emmi program:
When you open this link to register your patient, it automatically begins.
To close the program once you register your patient and enter his/her email address, click the View Program button
- Patient self-registration handout