How To Use CPT Code 27257

CPT 27257 describes the treatment of spontaneous hip dislocation, including congenital or pathological, by abduction, splint or traction, with manipulation, requiring anesthesia. 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 27257?

CPT 27257 is used to describe the treatment of spontaneous hip dislocation, including congenital or pathological, by abduction, splint or traction, with manipulation, requiring anesthesia. This code is used when a provider performs a closed treatment of a dislocated hip joint, using various techniques to realign the dislocation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27257 is: ‘Treatment of spontaneous hip dislocation (developmental, including congenital or pathological), by abduction, splint or traction; with manipulation, requiring anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An X-ray is performed to examine the dislocated hip joint.
3. The provider manually adjusts the bones to reduce the dislocation, using techniques such as pushing or pulling.
4. Depending on the patient’s age and specific situation, the provider may use abduction, a splint, or traction to treat the dislocation.
5. Abduction involves using a device like a Pavlik harness to stabilize the hip by holding it in flexion and abduction.
6. A spica cast may be applied to immobilize the hip and maintain the correct position.
7. A specially designed splint may be used to exert continuous traction on the leg to reduce the dislocation.
8. Skin traction may be applied alone or in combination with other methods to gently realign the hip.
9. An X-ray may be performed to confirm the reduction of the dislocation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27257 is used for the treatment of spontaneous hip dislocation, including congenital or pathological cases. The procedure requires manipulation of the bones and the use of abduction, splint, or traction techniques. Anesthesia is also required for this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 27257

CPT code 27257 should be used when a provider performs the treatment of spontaneous hip dislocation, including congenital or pathological, using abduction, splint or traction, with manipulation, and requiring anesthesia. This code should not be used when the procedure is performed without anesthesia and manipulation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27257, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of spontaneous hip dislocation
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of abduction, splint, or traction, and manipulation
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Confirmation of reduction of the dislocation through an X-ray
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27257, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements of the code, including the use of abduction, splint or traction, with manipulation, and requiring anesthesia. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional tips provided by coding authorities. CPT code 27257 should not be reported with other codes for treatment of hip dislocation without anesthesia and manipulation.

8. Historical information

CPT 27257 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 provider performs a closed treatment of a spontaneous hip dislocation in a patient with congenital hip dysplasia, using abduction and a Pavlik harness.
2. A provider treats a patient with a pathological hip dislocation by applying a spica cast in a position of abduction to immobilize the hip.
3. A provider uses traction to gently realign the dislocated hip joint in a patient with developmental hip dislocation.
4. A provider performs a closed reduction of a spontaneous hip dislocation in a patient with congenital hip dysplasia, using manipulation and anesthesia.
5. A provider applies skin traction to treat a pathological hip dislocation in a patient, in combination with other techniques to realign the hip.
6. A provider performs a closed treatment of a spontaneous hip dislocation in a patient with developmental hip dysplasia, using manipulation and anesthesia.
7. A provider applies a splint to exert continuous traction on the leg of a patient with a pathological hip dislocation, to reduce the dislocation.
8. A provider performs a closed reduction of a spontaneous hip dislocation in a patient with congenital hip dysplasia, using manipulation and anesthesia, and confirms the reduction through an X-ray.
9. A provider uses abduction and a Pavlik harness to stabilize the hip of a patient with developmental hip dislocation, holding the hips in flexion and abduction.
10. A provider applies skin traction to gently realign the dislocated hip joint in a patient with a pathological hip dislocation, and confirms the reduction through an X-ray.