How To Use CPT Code 27327

CPT 27327 describes the excision of a tumor in the soft tissue of the thigh or knee area, specifically in the subcutaneous layer, that is less than three centimeters in size. 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 27327?

CPT 27327 can be used to describe the excision of a tumor in the soft tissue of the thigh or knee area, specifically in the subcutaneous layer, that is less than three centimeters in size. This code is used when the provider removes the tumor along with some normal tissues around its boundary.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27327 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of thigh or knee area, subcutaneous; less than 3 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider identifies the site of the tumor in the thigh or knee area.
2. An incision is made in the skin and the subcutaneous tissue over the tumor.
3. The provider raises the subcutaneous flap using electrocautery.
4. The tumor, along with some normal tissues around its boundary, is excised.
5. The site is flushed with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
6. Hemostasis is achieved to control bleeding from incisions and suture lines.
7. The site is closed with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 27327 are those with a tumor in the soft tissue of the thigh or knee area that is less than three centimeters in size. The excision must be performed in the subcutaneous layer. The provider must ensure appropriate prepping and anesthesia for the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 27327

CPT code 27327 should be used when a provider performs the excision of a tumor in the soft tissue of the thigh or knee area, specifically in the subcutaneous layer, that is less than three centimeters in size. If the tumor is larger than three centimeters, a different code should be used. If the tumor is located in the subfascial area, a different code should also be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27327, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
• Size and location of the tumor
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the excision procedure, including the use of electrocautery and sutures
• Confirmation of hemostasis
• Signature of the provider performing the excision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27327, ensure that the excision is performed on a tumor in the soft tissue of the thigh or knee area, specifically in the subcutaneous layer, that is less than three centimeters in size. Do not report CPT 27327 if the tumor is larger than three centimeters or if it is located in the subfascial area. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines for reporting excisions of tumors in different locations or of different sizes.

8. Historical information

CPT 27327 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being modified to specify the thigh or knee area.

9. Examples

1. A provider excising a tumor of less than three centimeters in size from the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh for a patient.
2. A surgeon removing a tumor from the soft tissue of the knee area that is less than three centimeters in size.
3. An orthopedic specialist performing an excision of a tumor in the subcutaneous layer of the thigh for a patient with a tumor size of less than three centimeters.
4. A dermatologist removing a tumor from the soft tissue of the knee area that is smaller than three centimeters.
5. A plastic surgeon excising a tumor in the subcutaneous layer of the thigh for a patient with a tumor size of less than three centimeters.
6. An oncologist performing an excision of a tumor in the soft tissue of the knee area that is less than three centimeters in size.
7. A general surgeon removing a tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh for a patient with a tumor size of less than three centimeters.
8. An orthopedic specialist excising a tumor in the soft tissue of the knee area that is smaller than three centimeters.
9. A dermatologist performing an excision of a tumor in the subcutaneous layer of the thigh for a patient with a tumor size of less than three centimeters.
10. A plastic surgeon removing a tumor from the soft tissue of the knee area that is less than three centimeters in size.