How To Use CPT Code 27161

CPT 27161 describes a specific surgical procedure known as femoral neck osteotomy. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 27161, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27161?

CPT 27161 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called femoral neck osteotomy. This procedure involves the cutting of a wedge-shaped portion of the femur neck to correct the alignment of the femur bone. The femoral neck is the flat portion of the thigh bone that connects the femoral head with the femoral shaft.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27161 is: ‘Osteotomy, femoral neck (separate procedure).’ This code specifically refers to the surgical correction of the femoral neck through the removal of a wedge-shaped portion of the bone.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision from the iliac spine to the greater trochanter, which is a bony prominence on the outer side of the hip.
2. The provider then dissects through the soft tissue and retracts the muscles to expose the hip joint capsule.
3. Next, the provider incises the capsule to enter the joint and proceeds to perform osteotomy at two predetermined locations on the femur neck by removing wedge-shaped pieces of bone.
4. Pins and screws are used to secure the osteotomy site on the femur neck, ensuring proper alignment of the bone.
5. The provider then achieves hemostasis at the surgical site and closes the wound by suturing the soft tissue layers.
6. Finally, the patient is placed in a hip brace for a period of six weeks to aid in the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27161 is performed when there is a deformity or misalignment of the femoral neck that requires surgical correction. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who have specific conditions or injuries affecting the hip joint. It is important to note that CPT 27161 is considered a separate procedure and should not be reported with related procedures performed through the same skin incision. Modifier 59 may be necessary if CPT 27161 is performed with an unrelated procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 27161

CPT code 27161 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a femoral neck osteotomy as a separate procedure to correct the alignment of the femur bone. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed through a separate incision and not in conjunction with other related procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 27161, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The need for the procedure and the specific deformity or misalignment being addressed
• A detailed description of the surgical technique used, including the removal of the wedge-shaped portion of the femur neck
• The date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with CPT 27161, if applicable
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-operative care instructions and follow-up plans

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27161, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed as a separate procedure and not in conjunction with related procedures through the same incision. Modifier 59 may be necessary if CPT 27161 is performed with an unrelated procedure. It is important to review the specific billing guidelines of the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27161 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several changes to the code over the years, including its inclusion and removal from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare patients.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a femoral neck deformity undergoes a femoral neck osteotomy to correct the alignment of the bone.
2. A healthcare provider performs a femoral neck osteotomy as a separate procedure to address a misalignment in a patient with hip dysplasia.
3. A femoral neck osteotomy is performed on a patient with a hip fracture to restore proper alignment and promote healing.
4. A healthcare provider performs a femoral neck osteotomy to correct a deformity in a patient with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
5. A patient with a femoral neck nonunion undergoes a femoral neck osteotomy to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
6. A healthcare provider performs a femoral neck osteotomy to correct a malalignment in a patient with hip osteoarthritis.
7. A femoral neck osteotomy is performed on a patient with a femoral neck stress fracture to promote healing and prevent further complications.
8. A healthcare provider performs a femoral neck osteotomy to correct a deformity in a patient with developmental dysplasia of the hip.
9. A patient with a femoral neck malunion undergoes a femoral neck osteotomy to improve alignment and function.
10. A femoral neck osteotomy is performed on a patient with avascular necrosis of the femoral head to alleviate pain and improve hip function.