How To Use CPT Code 27049

CPT code 27049 describes the radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, measuring 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 27049?

CPT 27049 can be used to describe the extensive excision of a tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, suspected to be malignant, with a diameter of less than 5 cm. The procedure involves removing the tumor along with surrounding tissues to ensure complete removal of any diseased tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27049 is: ‘Radical resection of tumor (eg, sarcoma), soft tissue of pelvis and hip area; less than 5 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision and raising subcutaneous flaps to expose the muscles around the tumor.
2. The fascia is cut into to access the tumor.
3. The provider performs an extensive excision of the tumor, ensuring that a margin of healthy tissue is included with the mass.
4. Lymphatics and blood vessels are ligated as necessary.
5. The area is inspected, and frozen sections may be taken for further analysis.
6. Based on the pathology, additional excision may be performed.
7. The specimen is submitted for pathologic analysis.
8. The area is irrigated, and a drain may be inserted if needed.
9. The incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27049 is used for patients who require the radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with a diameter of less than 5 cm. The procedure is typically performed when the tumor is suspected to be malignant, such as a sarcoma. It is important to accurately measure the size of the excision during surgery to ensure proper coding.

5. When to use CPT code 27049

CPT code 27049 should be used when the provider performs a radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with a diameter of less than 5 cm. It is important to accurately measure the size of the excision during surgery to ensure proper coding.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27049, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for radical resection of the tumor
• Size of the tumor and the excision performed
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including any additional excision performed
• Pathologic analysis results, if available
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27049, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for radical resection of a tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with a diameter of less than 5 cm. It is important to accurately measure the size of the excision during surgery to ensure proper coding. Review the documentation carefully to determine if any additional procedures were performed that may affect the coding.

8. Historical information

CPT 27049 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 sarcoma in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area.
2. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a 3.5 cm tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area suspected to be malignant.
3. A provider performs a radical resection of a 2.5 cm tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, ensuring complete removal of any diseased tissue.
4. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a 4.8 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with additional excision performed based on pathology results.
5. A provider performs a radical resection of a 3.2 cm tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with lymphatics and blood vessels ligated during the procedure.
6. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a 4.5 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with frozen sections taken for further analysis.
7. A provider performs a radical resection of a 2.7 cm tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, submitting the specimen for pathologic analysis.
8. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a 4.2 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with irrigation and insertion of a drain after the procedure.
9. A provider performs a radical resection of a 3.9 cm tumor in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, closing the incision in layers.
10. A patient undergoes a radical resection of a 2.3 cm sarcoma in the soft tissues of the pelvis and hip area, with careful measurement of the excision size during surgery.