How To Use CPT Code 27025

CPT 27025 describes a specific procedure performed on the hip or thigh to relieve pressure and increase blood flow. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27025?

CPT 27025 is used to describe a procedure that involves cutting through the fascia in the hip or thigh to alleviate pressure and improve blood circulation. This code is utilized when a provider incises the fascia covering the muscles, removes any damaged tissue, and reduces pressure on the neurovascular structures beneath the fascia. By doing so, the procedure restores blood supply and relieves the patient from symptoms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27025 is: ‘Fasciotomy, hip or thigh, any type.’ It is important to note that if the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient appropriately.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the affected area, allowing access to the fascia above the muscle.
3. The provider then cuts through the fascia, relieving pressure on the neurovascular structures.
4. Any damaged or nonviable tissue is debrided during the procedure.
5. The wound is closed by suturing the soft tissues in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27025 is performed on patients who require relief from pressure and improved blood flow in the hip or thigh area. There are no specific qualifying circumstances mentioned for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 27025

CPT code 27025 should be used when a provider performs a fasciotomy procedure on the hip or thigh to alleviate pressure and increase blood flow. It is important to note that this code should not be used for decompression fasciotomy of a pelvic compartment, which has a separate code (27027).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27025, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the fasciotomy procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and any specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27025, ensure that the procedure is performed on the hip or thigh and that the documentation supports the necessity of the fasciotomy. There are no specific billing guidelines mentioned for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 27025 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It has undergone changes in its Medicare coverage, being added and removed from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in different years.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a fasciotomy on a patient’s hip to relieve pressure caused by compartment syndrome.
2. A patient with a thigh injury undergoes a fasciotomy procedure to restore blood flow and alleviate pain.
3. A provider performs a fasciotomy on a patient’s hip to treat acute compartment syndrome resulting from trauma.
4. A patient with a thigh muscle injury undergoes a fasciotomy to prevent further damage and improve healing.
5. A provider performs a fasciotomy on a patient’s hip to relieve pressure and restore blood circulation in the affected area.
6. A patient with a thigh infection undergoes a fasciotomy procedure to remove damaged tissue and improve healing.
7. A provider performs a fasciotomy on a patient’s hip to alleviate pressure caused by a severe muscle strain.
8. A patient with a thigh fracture undergoes a fasciotomy to relieve pressure and prevent complications.
9. A provider performs a fasciotomy on a patient’s hip to treat acute compartment syndrome resulting from a vascular injury.
10. A patient with a thigh hematoma undergoes a fasciotomy procedure to relieve pressure and prevent further complications.