How To Use CPT Code 27324

CPT 27324 describes the procedure for a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh or knee area. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27324?

CPT 27324 is used to describe the biopsy procedure for removing a sample of suspicious tissue from below the fascia or within the muscle of the thigh or knee. This code specifically refers to a deep biopsy, which involves excising the specimen for further analysis in a laboratory.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27324 is: ‘Biopsy, soft tissue of thigh or knee area; deep (subfascial or intramuscular).’ This code should be used when the provider removes a sample of suspicious tissue from below the fascia or within the muscle of the thigh or knee.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made over the mass in the knee or thigh.
3. The provider excises a sample of suspicious tissue from below the fascia or within the muscle.
4. The excised specimen is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
5. The provider irrigates the area and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27324 is used when the patient requires a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh or knee area. This procedure is typically performed when there is suspicion of abnormal tissue or a mass that needs further evaluation. It is important to note that if the biopsy is superficial, CPT code 27323 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 27324

CPT code 27324 should be used when the provider performs a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh or knee area. This code is appropriate when the biopsy is below the fascia or within the muscle. If the biopsy is superficial, CPT code 27323 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27324, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s condition and the need for a deep biopsy
• Location of the biopsy (thigh or knee area)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, excision of tissue, and closure
• Documentation of specimen submission to a laboratory for analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27324, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh or knee area. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the depth of the biopsy. If the biopsy is superficial, CPT code 27323 should be used instead. Additionally, follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and reporting of this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 27324 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 provider performs a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh area to evaluate a suspicious mass.
2. During a knee surgery, the provider identifies abnormal tissue and performs a deep biopsy for further analysis.
3. A patient presents with a thigh lump, and the provider performs a deep biopsy to determine its nature.
4. As part of a diagnostic workup, the provider performs a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the knee area.
5. A patient with persistent knee pain undergoes a deep biopsy to investigate the underlying cause.
6. A provider performs a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh area to rule out malignancy.
7. During a knee arthroscopy, the provider performs a deep biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.
8. A patient with a history of trauma undergoes a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the knee area to assess for any underlying damage.
9. A provider performs a deep biopsy of soft tissue in the thigh area to investigate a suspected infection.
10. During a knee replacement surgery, the provider performs a deep biopsy to evaluate the surrounding soft tissue.