How To Use CPT Code 27266

CPT 27266 describes the closed treatment of post hip arthroplasty dislocation, which requires regional or general 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 27266?

CPT 27266 is used to describe the closed treatment of post hip arthroplasty dislocation. This procedure involves the correction of a minor dislocation in a hip joint that has previously undergone a total hip replacement. The provider applies force to realign the hip, while the patient is under regional or general anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27266 is: ‘Closed treatment of post hip arthroplasty dislocation; requiring regional or general anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. When the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider applies force to reduce a hip that has previously undergone a total hip joint replacement.
2. After the reduction, the provider applies traction to the leg to maintain the alignment.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27266 is performed when a patient experiences a minor dislocation in a hip joint that has previously undergone a total hip replacement. The procedure requires regional or general anesthesia. It is important to note that this code represents a unilateral service, meaning it is performed on one side of the hip joint. If the provider performs the procedure bilaterally, the appropriate modifier should be appended.

5. When to use CPT code 27266

CPT code 27266 should be used when a patient experiences a minor dislocation in a hip joint that has previously undergone a total hip replacement. The procedure requires regional or general anesthesia. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that the procedure was performed as described.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27266, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s medical history and previous total hip replacement
• Details of the dislocation and the need for closed treatment
• Type of anesthesia used (regional or general)
• Description of the procedure performed, including the application of force to reduce the dislocation and the use of traction to maintain alignment
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27266, ensure that the procedure was performed with regional or general anesthesia. Append the appropriate modifier if the procedure is performed bilaterally. It is important to follow payer preferences regarding modifiers. Review the documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included in the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 27266 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 who previously underwent a total hip replacement experiences a minor dislocation. The provider performs closed treatment using force under regional anesthesia to realign the hip.
2. Following a total hip replacement, a patient’s hip joint becomes dislocated. The provider administers general anesthesia and applies force to reduce the dislocation.
3. After a total hip replacement, a patient’s hip joint dislocates. The provider performs closed treatment under regional anesthesia, applying force to realign the hip.
4. A patient with a history of total hip replacement presents with a dislocated hip joint. The provider administers general anesthesia and performs closed treatment, applying force to reduce the dislocation.
5. Following a total hip replacement, a patient experiences a minor dislocation. The provider uses regional anesthesia and applies force to realign the hip joint during closed treatment.
6. A patient who previously underwent a total hip replacement presents with a dislocated hip joint. The provider administers general anesthesia and performs closed treatment, applying force to reduce the dislocation.
7. After a total hip replacement, a patient’s hip joint becomes dislocated. The provider uses regional anesthesia and applies force to realign the hip during closed treatment.
8. A patient with a history of total hip replacement experiences a minor dislocation. The provider administers general anesthesia and performs closed treatment, applying force to reduce the dislocation.
9. Following a total hip replacement, a patient’s hip joint dislocates. The provider uses regional anesthesia and applies force to realign the hip joint during closed treatment.
10. A patient who previously underwent a total hip replacement presents with a dislocated hip joint. The provider administers general anesthesia and performs closed treatment, applying force to reduce the dislocation.