How To Use CPT Code 27176

CPT 27176 describes the treatment of slipped femoral epiphysis by using one or more pins to hold the bone in position. 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 27176?

CPT 27176 can be used to describe the treatment of slipped femoral epiphysis, which is a fracture in the growth plate of the thigh bone that commonly occurs in children. The procedure involves the use of one or more pins inserted through a small stab incision to hold the bone in position.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27176 is: ‘Treatment of slipped femoral epiphysis; by single or multiple pinning, in situ.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by placing a guide wire on the anterior aspect of the femoral neck along the intertrochanteric line.
2. Using X-rays for guidance, the provider advances the guide wire, ensuring it is centered in the femoral neck and in the epiphysis, crossing the physis.
3. Once the guide wire is in place, the provider drills over it and inserts a screw to stabilize the slip.
4. If necessary, a small stab incision may be made, and the provider closes it with a suture.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27176 is used for the treatment of slipped femoral epiphysis, specifically when the provider uses one or more pins to hold the bone in position. This procedure is typically performed on children with a fracture in the growth plate of the thigh bone.

5. When to use CPT code 27176

CPT code 27176 should be used when the provider performs the treatment of slipped femoral epiphysis using one or more pins to hold the bone in position. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate when the provider uses traction without performing reduction to align the bones.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27176, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of slipped femoral epiphysis
• Details of the procedure, including the use of one or more pins
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the need for a stab incision or closure with a suture

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27176, ensure that the procedure involves the use of one or more pins to hold the bone in position. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the reporting of this code. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 27176 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was initially included in the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017, removed from the IPO list in 2021, and added back to the IPO list in 2022.

9. Examples

1. A provider uses one pin to treat a slipped femoral epiphysis in a 10-year-old child.
2. Using multiple pins, a provider stabilizes a slipped femoral epiphysis in a 12-year-old patient.
3. A 9-year-old child undergoes treatment for slipped femoral epiphysis with the use of two pins.
4. A provider performs the procedure on a 14-year-old patient, using three pins to hold the bone in position.
5. In a 7-year-old child, a provider successfully treats a slipped femoral epiphysis by inserting four pins.
6. Using a single pin, a provider performs the procedure on an 11-year-old patient with slipped femoral epiphysis.
7. A 13-year-old child undergoes treatment for slipped femoral epiphysis, with the provider using two pins to stabilize the bone.
8. In a 8-year-old patient, a provider inserts three pins to hold the bone in position during the treatment of slipped femoral epiphysis.
9. A provider performs the procedure on a 15-year-old patient, using four pins to stabilize the slipped femoral epiphysis.
10. Using multiple pins, a provider successfully treats a slipped femoral epiphysis in a 6-year-old child.