How To Use CPT Code 27048

CPT 27048 describes the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area at the subfascial level, with a size 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 27048?

CPT 27048 can be used to describe the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area, specifically at the subfascial level. The size of the tumor being removed should be less than 5 cm. This code is used when a healthcare provider surgically removes the tumor from the specified area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27048 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of pelvis and hip area, subfascial (eg, intramuscular); less than 5 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the tumor in the pelvis and hip area.
3. The provider dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to reach the subfascial or intramuscular level.
4. The tumor is located and carefully dissected from its base, ensuring complete removal.
5. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site, and the wound is closed by suturing the layers of soft tissue.
6. A drain may be left in place, if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27048 is used for patients who require the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area at the subfascial level. The size of the tumor being removed should be less than 5 cm. The procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 27048

CPT code 27048 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area at the subfascial level, and the size of the tumor is less than 5 cm. This code should not be used for tumors larger than 5 cm, as a different code (such as CPT 27045) would be appropriate in those cases.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27048, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
• Size and location of the tumor
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27048, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria specified in the code description. It is important to accurately document the size of the tumor and the location in the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area. Additionally, be aware of any specific guidelines or modifiers that may apply to the billing of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 27048 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. On January 1, 2010, the code description was changed to specify the depth of the excision as “deep, subfascial, intramuscular.”

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs the excision of a 3 cm tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area at the subfascial level.
2. A orthopedic specialist removes a 4 cm tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area using the subfascial approach.
3. A general surgeon excises a 2 cm tumor from the subfascial level of the pelvis and hip area.
4. An oncologist performs the removal of a 1 cm tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area, utilizing the subfascial technique.
5. A plastic surgeon excises a 3.5 cm tumor from the subfascial level of the pelvis and hip area.
6. An orthopedic surgeon removes a 2.5 cm tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area using the subfascial approach.
7. A general surgeon performs the excision of a 4.5 cm tumor from the subfascial level of the pelvis and hip area.
8. An oncologist removes a 3.2 cm tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area utilizing the subfascial technique.
9. A plastic surgeon excises a 1.8 cm tumor from the subfascial level of the pelvis and hip area.
10. An orthopedic surgeon removes a 2.7 cm tumor from the soft tissue of the pelvis and hip area using the subfascial approach.