How To Use CPT Code 27071

CPT 27071 describes the procedure of deep partial excision of a portion of the wing of the ilium, symphysis pubis, or greater trochanter of the femur. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27071?

CPT 27071 can be used to describe the deep partial excision of a specific area of the hip bone or femur. This code is used when a healthcare provider removes a portion of the wing of the ilium, symphysis pubis, or greater trochanter of the femur using techniques like craterization or saucerization.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27071 is: ‘Partial excision, wing of ilium, symphysis pubis, or greater trochanter of femur, (craterization, saucerization) (eg, osteomyelitis or bone abscess); deep (subfascial or intramuscular)’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the targeted area.
3. The provider dissects deeply through the soft tissue, preserving nerves and veins.
4. The periosteum, the outer layer of bone, is incised and reflected.
5. The infected area of bone is removed using techniques like craterization or saucerization.
6. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27071 is performed when a patient has an infection in a specific area of the hip bone or femur that requires partial excision. The procedure is considered deep, involving subfascial or intramuscular tissue. It is important to note that this code is specific to cases of osteomyelitis or bone abscess.

5. When to use CPT code 27071

CPT code 27071 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a deep partial excision of the wing of the ilium, symphysis pubis, or greater trochanter of the femur. It is important to ensure that the procedure is being performed for the treatment of osteomyelitis or a bone abscess. If the excision is superficial, CPT code 27070 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27071, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of osteomyelitis or bone abscess
• Specific area of the hip bone or femur targeted for excision
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used, such as craterization or saucerization
• Extent of the excision, including the depth of tissue removed
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27071, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a deep partial excision of the specified areas of the hip bone or femur. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and the diagnosis of osteomyelitis or bone abscess. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 27071 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27071 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It underwent a code change on January 1, 2011, with an updated description. Medicare made changes to its coverage of CPT code 27071, adding it to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017, removing it in 2021, and adding it back to the IPO list in 2022.

9. Examples

1. A patient with osteomyelitis of the greater trochanter of the femur undergoes a deep partial excision using craterization.
2. A healthcare provider performs a saucerization technique to remove an infected area of the wing of the ilium in a patient with a bone abscess.
3. During surgery, a portion of the symphysis pubis is excised in a patient with osteomyelitis using a deep partial excision technique.
4. A deep partial excision is performed on the wing of the ilium in a patient with a bone abscess, utilizing a combination of craterization and saucerization.
5. A healthcare provider performs a deep partial excision of the greater trochanter of the femur in a patient with osteomyelitis, using a specialized technique to remove the infected tissue.
6. In a patient with a bone abscess, a deep partial excision is performed on the symphysis pubis using a combination of craterization and saucerization techniques.
7. A healthcare provider performs a deep partial excision of the wing of the ilium in a patient with osteomyelitis, utilizing a specialized technique to remove the infected tissue.
8. In a patient with a bone abscess, a deep partial excision is performed on the greater trochanter of the femur using a combination of craterization and saucerization techniques.
9. A deep partial excision is performed on the symphysis pubis in a patient with osteomyelitis, utilizing a specialized technique to remove the infected tissue.
10. In a patient with a bone abscess, a healthcare provider performs a deep partial excision of the wing of the ilium using a combination of craterization and saucerization techniques.