How To Use CPT Code 27328

CPT 27328 describes the excision of a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh or knee. 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 27328?

CPT 27328 can be used to describe the excision of a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh or knee. This code is used when the provider removes the tumor along with some normal tissues around its margins using a surgical procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27328 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of thigh or knee area, subfascial (eg, intramuscular); less than 5 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider identifies the site of the tumor and makes an incision through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle over the tumor.
2. Using electrocautery, the provider raises the subcutaneous flap and excises the tumor along with some normal tissues around its margins.
3. The provider flushes the site with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
4. Hemostasis is achieved to control bleeding from incisions and suture lines.
5. The provider closes the site with sutures in layers to promote proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 27328 are those with a tumor smaller than five cm in the intramuscular area of the thigh or knee. The provider must perform the excision using a subfascial approach, which means below the fascia that covers and supports the muscles. The tumor can be either benign or cancerous.

5. When to use CPT code 27328

CPT code 27328 should be used when the provider performs an excision of a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh or knee. This code is not appropriate for tumors in other locations or larger tumors. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the tumor to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27328, the provider must document the following information:

• Size and location of the tumor
• Details of the surgical procedure performed
• Incision site and closure method
• Use of electrocautery for raising the subcutaneous flap
• Flush with sterile saline and achievement of hemostasis
• Signature of the provider performing the excision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27328, ensure that the excision is performed on a tumor smaller than five cm in the intramuscular area of the thigh or knee. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the tumor to support the use of this code. There are specific codes available for tumors of different sizes and locations, so it is crucial to select the appropriate code based on the specific case.

8. Historical information

CPT 27328 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, where the description was modified to specify the subfascial approach.

9. Examples

1. A provider excises a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh for a patient with a benign soft tissue tumor.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider removes a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the knee for a patient with a cancerous growth.
3. A surgeon performs an excision of a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh for a patient with a lipoma.
4. A provider removes a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the knee for a patient with a fibroma.
5. During a surgical procedure, a provider excises a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh for a patient with a sarcoma.
6. A surgeon performs an excision of a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the knee for a patient with a benign soft tissue tumor.
7. A provider removes a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh for a patient with a cancerous growth.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider excises a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the knee for a patient with a lipoma.
9. A surgeon performs an excision of a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the thigh for a patient with a fibroma.
10. A provider removes a tumor smaller than five cm from the intramuscular area of the knee for a patient with a sarcoma.