UMR Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) prior authorization requirements (2026)

What UMR generally requires to approve Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) (CPT 23470, 23472, 23473, 23474, 24360, 24361, 24362, 24363, 24365, 24366, 24370, 24371, 25441, 25442, 25443, 25444, 25445, 25446, 25449, 26530, 26531, 26535, 26536, 27120, 27125, 27130, 27132, 27134, 27137, 27138, 27437, 27438, 27440, 27441, 27442, 27443, 27445, 27446, 27447, 27486, 27487, 27702, 27091, 27488, S2118), for commercial plans. Prior authorization requirements vary by plan. Confirm with UMR for Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) (CPT 23470, 23472, 23473, 23474, 24360, 24361, 24362, 24363, 24365, 24366, 24370, 24371, 25441, 25442, 25443, 25444, 25445, 25446, 25449, 26530, 26531, 26535, 26536, 27120, 27125, 27130, 27132, 27134, 27137, 27138, 27437, 27438, 27440, 27441, 27442, 27443, 27445, 27446, 27447, 27486, 27487, 27702, 27091, 27488, S2118).

General reference compiled from public sources, last verified 2026-06-26. This is not a coverage determination or medical advice. Always confirm current requirements with UMR before submitting.

Medical-necessity criteria UMR generally applies

Governed by UHC/UMR Medical Policy; joint replacement is commonly subject to an Outpatient Surgical Procedures Site-of-Service review on UHC/UMR plans. PA applicability is plan/employer-group-specific — verify with the per-member PA tool on umr.com.

Diagnoses that commonly support medical necessity

ICD-10-CM diagnoses frequently associated with medical necessity for Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement). Confirm the covered diagnosis list against the current UMR policy.

M16.0Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of hipM17.0Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of kneeM19.90Unspecified osteoarthritis, unspecified site

How to submit

  • Method: UMR provider portal (per-member PA tool)
  • Portal: UMR

Sources & verification

  • BindingSource — UMR Medical & Drug Policies (UHC-published) + UMR per-member Prior Authorization tool.View

Binding = the payer's own policy. Proxy = a public, evidence-based clinical guideline the payer mirrors. Portal-only = the binding criteria are confirmed in the administrator's portal. Always confirm against the payer for the member's specific plan. Last verified 2026-06-26.

Frequently asked questions

Does UMR require prior authorization for Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)?

Prior authorization requirements vary by plan. Confirm with UMR for Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) (CPT 23470, 23472, 23473, 23474, 24360, 24361, 24362, 24363, 24365, 24366, 24370, 24371, 25441, 25442, 25443, 25444, 25445, 25446, 25449, 26530, 26531, 26535, 26536, 27120, 27125, 27130, 27132, 27134, 27137, 27138, 27437, 27438, 27440, 27441, 27442, 27443, 27445, 27446, 27447, 27486, 27487, 27702, 27091, 27488, S2118).

What does UMR require to approve Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)?

Governed by UHC/UMR Medical Policy; joint replacement is commonly subject to an Outpatient Surgical Procedures Site-of-Service review on UHC/UMR plans. PA applicability is plan/employer-group-specific — verify with the per-member PA tool on umr.com. Always confirm against the current UMR policy.

How long does a UMR prior authorization take?

Turnaround varies by plan and submission method. Check the UMR portal for current timeframes.

Submitting Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement) to UMR?

Praxigen checks your clinical note against these criteria before you submit and drafts a policy-cited appeal if it is denied. You review and submit; nothing is sent automatically.

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Other UMR prior authorization requirements

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and FusionArthroscopic Hip Surgery for Impingement Syndrome Including Labral RepairArtificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Cervical Spine)Artificial Intervertebral Disc Surgery (Lumbar Spine)Cervical, Lumbar and Thoracic Laminectomy and/or Laminotomy ProceduresDorsal Column (Lumbar) Neurostimulators: Trial or ImplantationKnee ArthroscopyKnee MeniscectomyPain Management ProceduresShoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff RepairSpinal Fusion SurgeryVertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty

Related guides

Why was my prior authorization denied? Top reasons and how to fix eachHow to write a prior authorization appeal that cites policy