How To Use CPT Code 27151

CPT 27151 describes a surgical procedure that involves an osteotomy of the iliac, acetabular, or innominate bone, along with a femoral osteotomy. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 27151, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27151?

CPT 27151 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves an osteotomy of the iliac, acetabular, or innominate bone, along with a femoral osteotomy. This procedure is performed to correct deformities or alignment issues in the hip joint. It is typically used when other treatment options have been exhausted or are not suitable for the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27151 is: ‘Osteotomy, iliac, acetabular or innominate bone; with femoral osteotomy.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider performs an osteotomy of the iliac, acetabular, or innominate bone, which involves cutting a portion of the bone to correct deformity or alignment issues.
2. The provider also performs a femoral osteotomy, which involves cutting the thigh bone to further correct alignment.
3. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the provider makes incisions to access the affected bones.
4. Using specialized tools, the provider carefully cuts and reshapes the bones to achieve the desired correction.
5. The provider may use screws, plates, or other fixation devices to secure the osteotomy sites and promote proper healing.
6. After the procedure, the incisions are closed, and the patient may be placed in a hip brace or cast to support the healing process.
7. Recovery from this procedure can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the correction needed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 27151 is typically used for patients who have deformities or alignment issues in the hip joint that require surgical correction. These conditions may be congenital, developmental, or the result of trauma or disease. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary training and expertise in orthopedic surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 27151

CPT code 27151 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an osteotomy of the iliac, acetabular, or innominate bone, along with a femoral osteotomy, to correct deformities or alignment issues in the hip joint. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description to accurately report and bill for the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27151, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical correction
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific bones involved and the extent of the osteotomies
• Any additional procedures or techniques used during the surgery
• Any complications or unexpected findings encountered during the procedure
• Post-operative care instructions and follow-up plans
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27151, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare provider should also follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer or relevant coding guidelines. It is important to accurately report and document the procedure to avoid any potential billing or reimbursement issues.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27151 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several updates and changes to the code over the years, including its inclusion and removal from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare. It is important to stay updated with the latest coding guidelines and payer requirements when reporting CPT code 27151.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a congenital hip deformity undergoes an osteotomy of the iliac bone and a femoral osteotomy to correct the alignment of the hip joint.
2. An individual who has experienced a traumatic hip injury requires an osteotomy of the acetabular bone and a femoral osteotomy to restore proper alignment and function.
3. A patient with a developmental hip disorder undergoes an osteotomy of the innominate bone and a femoral osteotomy to improve hip joint stability and prevent future complications.
4. A healthcare provider performs an osteotomy of the iliac bone and a femoral osteotomy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with hip dysplasia.
5. An individual with a hip joint disease undergoes an osteotomy of the acetabular bone and a femoral osteotomy to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
6. A patient with a hip deformity resulting from a previous surgery requires an osteotomy of the innominate bone and a femoral osteotomy to correct the alignment and restore proper joint mechanics.
7. An individual with a hip joint malformation undergoes an osteotomy of the iliac bone and a femoral osteotomy to improve hip joint stability and prevent future complications.
8. A healthcare provider performs an osteotomy of the acetabular bone and a femoral osteotomy to correct the alignment and improve function in a patient with hip dysplasia.
9. A patient with a hip joint disorder undergoes an osteotomy of the innominate bone and a femoral osteotomy to alleviate pain and improve joint mechanics.