How To Use CPT Code 27252

CPT 27252 describes the closed treatment of a traumatic hip joint dislocation, which involves the provider manually adjusting the bones to bring them back into their normal alignment. 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 27252?

CPT 27252 is used to describe the closed treatment of a traumatic hip joint dislocation. This procedure involves the provider manually adjusting the bones of the hip joint to bring them back into their normal alignment. It is important to note that this procedure requires the use of general anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27252 is: ‘Closed treatment of hip dislocation, traumatic; requiring anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An X-ray is performed to examine the dislocated hip joint.
3. The provider manually adjusts the bones by pushing or pulling to bring them back into their normal alignment.
4. The pelvis is stabilized, and the provider gently flexes or extends the hip and knee.
5. Traction may be applied to the lower extremity, and the thigh may be gently rotated internally or externally to move the femoral head back into its original location within the acetabulum.
6. After the reduction procedure, the provider may apply gentle skin traction or place the hip joint in a brace for four to six weeks.
7. An X-ray examination is performed to confirm the successful reduction of the hip dislocation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27252 is used for the closed treatment of a traumatic hip joint dislocation that requires general anesthesia. This procedure is performed when there is an abnormal separation of the hip joint, and the provider manually adjusts the bones to bring them back into their normal alignment.

5. When to use CPT code 27252

CPT code 27252 should be used when the provider performs a closed treatment of a traumatic hip joint dislocation that requires general anesthesia. It is important to note that if the procedure is performed without general anesthesia, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27252, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of traumatic hip joint dislocation
• Use of general anesthesia
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the reduction procedure, including the techniques used
• Confirmation of successful reduction through post-procedure X-ray examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27252, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed using general anesthesia. If the procedure was performed without general anesthesia, a different code should be used. It is also important to follow coding guidelines regarding anesthesia requirements for accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT 27252 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 patient sustains a traumatic hip joint dislocation and undergoes closed treatment with general anesthesia to realign the bones.
2. After a car accident, a patient presents with a hip joint dislocation and undergoes closed treatment with general anesthesia to correct the dislocation.
3. A fall from a height results in a traumatic hip joint dislocation, and the patient undergoes closed treatment with general anesthesia to restore normal alignment.
4. During a sports injury, a patient experiences a hip joint dislocation and receives closed treatment with general anesthesia to reposition the bones.
5. A patient involved in a workplace accident suffers a traumatic hip joint dislocation and undergoes closed treatment with general anesthesia to reduce the dislocation.
6. Following a fall on icy ground, a patient presents with a hip joint dislocation and receives closed treatment with general anesthesia to realign the bones.
7. An elderly patient experiences a hip joint dislocation after a fall at home and undergoes closed treatment with general anesthesia to correct the dislocation.
8. During a sporting event, a player sustains a traumatic hip joint dislocation and receives closed treatment with general anesthesia to restore normal alignment.
9. A patient involved in a motorcycle accident presents with a hip joint dislocation and undergoes closed treatment with general anesthesia to reposition the bones.
10. After a slip and fall, a patient presents with a hip joint dislocation and receives closed treatment with general anesthesia to reduce the dislocation.