How To Use CPT Code 27337

CPT 27337 describes the excision of a tumor in the subcutaneous region of the thigh or knee that is 3 cm or larger 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 27337?

CPT 27337 can be used to describe the excision of a tumor in the subcutaneous region of the thigh or knee that is 3 cm or larger in size. This code is used when the provider removes the tumor along with some healthy tissues surrounding it.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27337 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of thigh or knee area, subcutaneous; 3 cm or greater.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider identifies the site of the tumor and makes an incision in the skin and subcutaneous tissue over the tumor.
2. Using electrocautery, the provider raises the flap of the subcutaneous tissues.
3. The provider excises the tumor along with some healthy tissues surrounding it.
4. The site is flushed with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
5. Hemostasis is achieved to control bleeding from incisions and suture lines.
6. The incision in the knee is closed with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 27337 are those with a tumor in the subcutaneous region of the thigh or knee that is 3 cm or larger in size. The provider must use electrocautery to raise the flap of the subcutaneous tissues and excise the tumor along with some healthy tissues surrounding it.

5. When to use CPT code 27337

CPT code 27337 should be used when the provider performs the excision of a tumor in the subcutaneous region of the thigh or knee that is 3 cm or larger in size. If the tumor is smaller than 3 cm, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27337, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
• Size of the tumor
• Details of the procedure, including the use of electrocautery and excision of healthy tissues
• Flush of the site with sterile saline
• Hemostasis achieved
• Details of the closure of the incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27337, ensure that the tumor excised is in the subcutaneous region of the thigh or knee and is 3 cm or larger in size. Follow the provided tips for excisions of tumors of different sizes and locations. Report CPT 27337 separately and do not report it with other codes unless necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 27337 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider excises a tumor of 4 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s thigh.
2. A surgeon removes a tumor of 6 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s knee.
3. A dermatologist performs the excision of a tumor of 3.5 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s thigh.
4. A plastic surgeon removes a tumor of 7 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s knee.
5. An orthopedic surgeon excises a tumor of 5.5 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s thigh.
6. A provider performs the excision of a tumor of 3.2 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s knee.
7. A surgeon removes a tumor of 4.5 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s thigh.
8. A dermatologist performs the excision of a tumor of 6.8 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s knee.
9. A plastic surgeon removes a tumor of 3.7 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s thigh.
10. An orthopedic surgeon excises a tumor of 5.2 cm in size from the subcutaneous region of a patient’s knee.