How To Use CPT Code 27086

CPT 27086 describes the removal of a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of the pelvis or hip. 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 27086?

CPT 27086 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider removes a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of the pelvis or hip. This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the skin of the hip or pelvis area, dissects down to the subcutaneous tissue, removes the foreign body, irrigates the wound with antibiotic solution, and closes the wound in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27086 is: ‘Removal of foreign body, pelvis or hip; subcutaneous tissue.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia if necessary.
2. An incision is made in the skin of the hip or pelvis area.
3. The provider dissects down to the subcutaneous tissue.
4. The foreign body, such as a bullet or nail, is removed from the subcutaneous tissue.
5. The wound is irrigated with antibiotic solution to prevent infection.
6. The provider closes the wound in layers.
7. A drain may be left in place if required.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27086 is performed when a patient has a foreign body in the subcutaneous tissue of the pelvis or hip that needs to be removed. This procedure is typically done by a healthcare provider who is trained and qualified to perform such interventions. The patient may have experienced trauma or injury that resulted in the presence of the foreign body. It is important to note that CPT 27086 specifically refers to the removal of foreign bodies from the subcutaneous tissue, and not from the deep tissue of the hip or pelvis.

5. When to use CPT code 27086

CPT code 27086 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of the pelvis or hip. It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the presence of a foreign body and the specific location of the removal (subcutaneous tissue of the pelvis or hip). If the foreign body is located in the deep tissue of the hip or pelvis, CPT code 27087 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27086, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Description of the foreign body and its location
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, dissection, removal of the foreign body, irrigation, wound closure, and use of a drain if applicable
• Anesthesia administration, if applicable
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27086, ensure that the procedure involves the removal of a foreign body from the subcutaneous tissue of the pelvis or hip. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific location of the foreign body. If the foreign body is located in the deep tissue of the hip or pelvis, CPT code 27087 should be used instead. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 27086 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider removes a bullet from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s hip.
2. A patient presents with a nail embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of their pelvis, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.
3. During a surgical procedure, a foreign body is discovered in the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s hip, and a healthcare provider removes it.
4. A patient sustains an injury that results in a foreign body being lodged in the subcutaneous tissue of their pelvis, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.
5. A healthcare provider removes a piece of glass from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s hip.
6. A patient is involved in a car accident and has a foreign body embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of their pelvis, which a healthcare provider removes.
7. A healthcare provider removes a metal fragment from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s hip.
8. A patient presents with a splinter in the subcutaneous tissue of their pelvis, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.
9. A foreign body is discovered in the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s hip during a diagnostic procedure, and a healthcare provider removes it.
10. A patient has a foreign body lodged in the subcutaneous tissue of their pelvis due to a workplace accident, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.