How To Use CPT Code 27301

CPT 27301 describes the procedure of incision and drainage for deep abscess, bursa, or hematoma in the thigh or knee region. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27301?

CPT 27301 is used to describe a specific procedure performed by a healthcare provider. It involves making an incision and draining an abscess, bursa, or hematoma that is located in the deep structures of the thigh or knee region. The purpose of this procedure is to treat an infection and alleviate pain in the affected area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27301 is: ‘Incision and drainage, deep abscess, bursa, or hematoma, thigh or knee region.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made over the abscess, bursa, or hematoma in the thigh or knee region.
3. The provider continues the incision through the deep subcutaneous tissues to expose the abscess or hematoma.
4. If necessary, the incision may be extended or taken down to the bone to fully expose the lesion.
5. The provider drains the pus from the abscess using a syringe or catheter, or by applying pressure to the area.
6. If the procedure is for a hematoma, the provider also removes clotted blood using a sharp object.
7. The wound is cleaned and irrigated with saline solution.
8. A drain may be placed to facilitate further drainage of pus, or the site may be covered with gauze after antibiotic irrigation.
9. If needed, the provider removes the drain after several days and closes the remaining wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27301 is performed on patients who have deep abscesses, bursae, or hematomas in the thigh or knee region. These conditions are typically caused by infections and can result in pain and discomfort. The procedure is carried out by a healthcare provider who is qualified to perform incisions and drainage. It is important to note that the procedure is specific to the thigh or knee region.

5. When to use CPT code 27301

CPT code 27301 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an incision and drainage procedure for a deep abscess, bursa, or hematoma in the thigh or knee region. It is important to accurately document the location and nature of the condition to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27301, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the incision and drainage procedure
• Specific details about the abscess, bursa, or hematoma being treated
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the incision and drainage process
• Any additional procedures performed, such as placement of a drain
• Post-procedure care instructions
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27301, ensure that the procedure is performed on the thigh or knee region and involves incision and drainage of a deep abscess, bursa, or hematoma. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for accurate coding and billing. Additionally, be aware of any applicable modifiers or other codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 27301.

8. Historical information

CPT 27301 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs an incision and drainage procedure on a patient with a deep abscess in the thigh region.
2. An individual undergoes an incision and drainage procedure for a bursa in the knee region.
3. A patient with a hematoma in the thigh region receives an incision and drainage procedure to alleviate pain and promote healing.
4. A healthcare provider performs an incision and drainage procedure on a patient with a deep abscess in the knee region.
5. An individual undergoes an incision and drainage procedure for a bursa in the thigh region.
6. A patient with a hematoma in the knee region receives an incision and drainage procedure to alleviate pain and promote healing.
7. A healthcare provider performs an incision and drainage procedure on a patient with a deep abscess in the thigh region.
8. An individual undergoes an incision and drainage procedure for a bursa in the knee region.
9. A patient with a hematoma in the thigh region receives an incision and drainage procedure to alleviate pain and promote healing.
10. A healthcare provider performs an incision and drainage procedure on a patient with a deep abscess in the knee region.