How To Use CPT Code 27330

CPT 27330 describes the procedure of arthrotomy with synovial biopsy only for the knee joint. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27330?

CPT 27330 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a provider makes an incision over the knee joint and performs a biopsy of the synovium for diagnostic purposes. This code specifically refers to the arthrotomy with synovial biopsy only, without any additional procedures or explorations.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27330 is: ‘Arthrotomy, knee; with synovial biopsy only.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 27330, the provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made in the capsule of the knee joint to access the synovium.
3. The provider then extracts a sample of the synovial fluid using a needle for biopsy.
4. The extracted sample is sent to pathology for further analysis.
5. After the biopsy, the provider flushes the site with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
6. Hemostasis is achieved to control any bleeding from the incision site.
7. Finally, the incision in the knee joint capsule is closed with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27330 is performed when a patient requires a synovial biopsy of the knee joint for diagnostic purposes. This procedure is typically done to investigate and evaluate conditions affecting the synovium, such as inflammatory joint diseases or infections. It is important to note that CPT 27330 specifically refers to the arthrotomy with synovial biopsy only, without any additional procedures or explorations.

5. When to use CPT code 27330

CPT code 27330 should be used when a provider performs an arthrotomy of the knee joint solely for the purpose of obtaining a synovial biopsy. It is important to ensure that no other procedures or explorations are performed during the same surgical session. If additional procedures, such as the removal of loose bodies, are performed along with the synovial biopsy, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27330, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the synovial biopsy and the need for diagnostic evaluation
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the incision site and size
• Description of the synovial biopsy technique used
• Confirmation of the synovial fluid sample obtained for biopsy
• Any additional findings or procedures performed during the same surgical session, if applicable
• Confirmation of hemostasis and closure of the incision
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27330, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description of the code. This code should only be reported when an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy only is performed on the knee joint. If additional procedures or explorations are performed, a different CPT code should be used. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines or tips provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 27330 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 an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy only on a patient with suspected rheumatoid arthritis to confirm the diagnosis.
2. During a knee arthroscopy, the provider decides to convert to an open arthrotomy to obtain a synovial biopsy for further evaluation.
3. A patient presents with persistent knee pain, and the provider performs an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to investigate the underlying cause.
4. As part of a diagnostic workup for a suspected joint infection, the provider performs an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to obtain a sample for analysis.
5. A patient with a history of joint inflammation undergoes an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
6. During a knee surgery, the provider performs an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to rule out any synovial pathology.
7. A patient with suspected synovial sarcoma undergoes an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis.
8. As part of a research study, the provider performs an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to collect samples for scientific investigation.
9. A patient with chronic knee pain undergoes an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to evaluate for any underlying inflammatory conditions.
10. During a knee replacement surgery, the provider performs an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy to assess the synovium for any abnormalities.