How To Use CPT Code 27357

CPT 27357 describes the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor of the femur, with the use of autograft. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 27357, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27357?

CPT 27357 is used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a bone cyst or benign tumor from the femur. The procedure involves the use of autograft, which is a tissue graft harvested from another location within the patient’s own body. The purpose of this procedure is to alleviate pain and improve the range of motion for the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27357 is: ‘Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of femur; with autograft (includes obtaining graft).’ This code specifically refers to the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the femur, with the use of autograft.

3. Procedure

1. The procedure begins with the patient being appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider then identifies the site of the bone cyst or benign tumor in the femur and makes an incision in the skin over the affected area.
3. The provider carefully dissects the surrounding periosteum, which is the membrane covering the surface of the bone.
4. Using curettes, the provider removes the bone cyst or benign tumor from the femur.
5. To reconstruct the bone, the provider obtains autograft from a different site within the patient’s own body.
6. The provider flushes the surgical site with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
7. Hemostasis, or the control of bleeding, is achieved before the provider closes the incision with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 27357 is applicable when a bone cyst or benign tumor is present in the femur and requires excision or curettage. The use of autograft is a qualifying circumstance for this code. It is important to note that if allograft is used instead of autograft, a different code should be used. Additionally, if the bone cyst or benign tumor is excised without grafting, another code should be reported.

5. When to use CPT code 27357

CPT code 27357 should be used when a bone cyst or benign tumor is excised or curetted from the femur, and autograft is utilized for bone reconstruction. It is important to accurately document the use of autograft and ensure that the procedure aligns with the specific requirements outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 27357, the following documentation is necessary:

• Clear indication of the patient’s diagnosis and the need for excision or curettage of the bone cyst or benign tumor
• Documentation of the use of autograft for bone reconstruction
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique, including the specific steps taken during the excision or curettage
• Confirmation of hemostasis and closure of the incision
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27357, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description. The use of autograft should be clearly documented. It is also important to note that if internal fixation is performed following the excision of the bone cyst, an add-on code should be used. Review the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27357 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 patient undergoes excision of a bone cyst in the femur using autograft for bone reconstruction.
2. A healthcare provider performs curettage of a benign tumor in the femur, utilizing autograft to reconstruct the bone.
3. During a surgical procedure, a bone cyst in the femur is excised, and autograft is used for bone reconstruction.
4. A patient with a benign tumor in the femur undergoes curettage, with autograft utilized for bone reconstruction.
5. Excision of a bone cyst in the femur is performed, and autograft is used to reconstruct the bone.
6. A healthcare provider performs curettage of a benign tumor in the femur, utilizing autograft for bone reconstruction.
7. During a surgical procedure, a bone cyst in the femur is excised, and autograft is used for bone reconstruction.
8. A patient with a benign tumor in the femur undergoes curettage, with autograft utilized for bone reconstruction.
9. Excision of a bone cyst in the femur is performed, and autograft is used to reconstruct the bone.
10. A healthcare provider performs curettage of a benign tumor in the femur, utilizing autograft for bone reconstruction.