How To Use CPT Code 27052

CPT 27052 describes the procedure of arthrotomy with biopsy of the hip joint. This article will cover the official description, the step-by-step procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27052?

CPT 27052 is used to describe the specific procedure of arthrotomy with biopsy of the hip joint. This code is used when a healthcare provider makes an incision to open the hip joint and takes a biopsy of the soft tissue for further analysis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27052 is: ‘Arthrotomy, with biopsy; hip joint.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin above the hip joint, and the provider dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to reach the joint capsule.
3. The joint capsule is incised and opened to expose the interior of the hip joint.
4. The provider explores the joint space to identify any abnormalities or areas of concern.
5. A biopsy of the joint tissue, such as synovial tissue, is taken for further analysis.
6. The wound is irrigated with antibiotic solution, and the provider closes the incision in layers.
7. If necessary, a drain may be left in place.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27052 is performed when a patient requires an arthrotomy with biopsy specifically on the hip joint. This procedure is typically done to investigate and analyze the soft tissue within the hip joint for any abnormalities or conditions that may require further treatment or intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 27052

CPT code 27052 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on the hip joint. It is important to accurately document the specific joint involved in the procedure to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27052, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the procedure
• Details of the arthrotomy procedure, including the specific joint (hip joint) and the approach used
• Description of the biopsy taken, including the type of tissue and any abnormalities found
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27052, ensure that the procedure performed is specifically an arthrotomy with biopsy of the hip joint. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional services provided during the same session. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers as required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 27052 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to investigate persistent hip pain and swelling.
2. A rheumatologist performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to evaluate for signs of inflammatory arthritis.
3. An orthopedic surgeon performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to assess for infection following a previous hip replacement surgery.
4. A sports medicine physician performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a professional athlete’s hip joint to diagnose a suspected labral tear.
5. An oncologist performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to investigate the presence of metastatic cancer.
6. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a child’s hip joint to evaluate for developmental hip dysplasia.
7. An interventional radiologist performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to obtain a tissue sample for genetic testing.
8. A geriatrician performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on an elderly patient’s hip joint to assess for degenerative joint disease.
9. An orthopedic oncologist performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to evaluate for the presence of a bone tumor.
10. A podiatrist performs an arthrotomy with biopsy on a patient’s hip joint to investigate the cause of referred hip pain originating from the foot.