How To Use CPT Code 23077

CPT code 23077 describes the radical resection of a soft tissue tumor, such as a sarcoma, in the shoulder area that measures less than 5 cm. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 23077?

CPT 23077 is used to describe the radical resection of a soft tissue tumor, specifically in the shoulder area, that measures less than 5 cm. This code is used when the provider performs an extensive excision procedure to remove the tumor along with wide margins of surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 23077 is: ‘Radical resection of tumor (eg, sarcoma), soft tissue of shoulder area less than 5 cm.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 23077 involves the following steps:

1. After administering proper anesthesia, the provider makes a linear incision around the tumor site, typically following the muscle creases in the shoulder area.
2. The incision is extended deep and around the tumor to adequately expose the underlying anatomy.
3. Fascial, subfascial, and/or muscle flaps may be raised to further expose the tumor and surrounding structures.
4. The provider identifies and preserves any neurovascular structures in the area.
5. Using a sharp scalpel, the provider carefully dissects the tumor from the surrounding tissue margin and removes it.
6. To ensure complete removal and rule out further malignancy, an additional surrounding wide area of margin is also dissected and removed.
7. Once the tumor and appropriate surrounding margin have been excised, the incision is repaired in a layered fashion.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 23077 is used for patients who require the radical resection of a soft tissue tumor in the shoulder area that measures less than 5 cm. This code is specifically for tumors of musculoskeletal origin, such as sarcomas. The procedure involves the removal of the tumor along with wide margins of surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision.

5. When to use CPT code 23077

CPT code 23077 should be used when a provider performs a radical resection of a soft tissue tumor in the shoulder area that measures less than 5 cm. It is important to ensure that the excision includes wide margins of surrounding tissue to qualify for this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 23077, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for radical resection of the soft tissue tumor
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site, extent of dissection, and excision of the tumor and surrounding margin
• Date of the procedure
• Size of the tumor and margins required
• Any complications or additional findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 23077, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for radical resection of a soft tissue tumor in the shoulder area measuring less than 5 cm. It is important to document the details of the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 23077 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 23077 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been two code changes since its addition, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2014.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a radical resection of a 4 cm soft tissue sarcoma in the shoulder area.
2. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a 3 cm malignant tumor in the subcutaneous tissue of the shoulder area.
3. A provider performs a radical resection of a 2 cm soft tissue sarcoma in the subfascial tissue of the shoulder area.
4. A patient requires a radical resection of a 5 cm soft tissue tumor in the deep intramuscular tissue of the shoulder area.
5. A provider performs a radical resection of a 3 cm malignant tumor in the deep intramuscular tissue of the shoulder area.