How To Use CPT Code 27360

CPT 27360 describes a partial excision procedure performed on the femur, proximal tibia, or fibula to remove disease or infection. 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 27360?

CPT 27360 is a code used to describe a partial excision procedure performed on the femur, proximal tibia, or fibula. This procedure is done to remove disease or infection from the bone. It involves the removal of the affected part of the bone, which may include a portion of the shaft as well. The procedure leaves a depression in the bone, which may be filled with a bone graft if necessary.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27360 is: ‘Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) bone, femur, proximal tibia and/or fibula (eg, osteomyelitis or bone abscess).’ This code specifically refers to the partial excision of bone in the femur, proximal tibia, or fibula to treat conditions such as osteomyelitis or bone abscess.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made over the affected part of the bone to expose the periosteum.
3. The diseased part of the bone is then removed, and if necessary, a portion of the shaft may also be excised.
4. If a depression is left in the bone after the excision, a bone graft may be used to fill the cavity.
5. The provider ensures hemostasis and closes the incision with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27360 is used when there is a need to partially excise the femur, proximal tibia, or fibula due to conditions such as osteomyelitis or bone abscess. The procedure is performed to remove disease or infection from the bone. It is important to note that this code represents a unilateral service, meaning it is performed on one leg. If the procedure is performed on both legs, modifiers may need to be appended to the code.

5. When to use CPT code 27360

CPT code 27360 should be used when a partial excision procedure is performed on the femur, proximal tibia, or fibula to remove disease or infection. It is important to accurately document the specific condition being treated and the need for the procedure in the patient’s medical record.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27360, the provider must document the following information:

• The patient’s diagnosis, indicating the presence of osteomyelitis or bone abscess
• The specific bone(s) involved in the procedure (femur, proximal tibia, and/or fibula)
• The details of the procedure, including the extent of the excision and any bone grafting performed
• The date of the procedure
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27360, ensure that the procedure is performed on the femur, proximal tibia, or fibula. It is important to accurately code the procedure and any associated modifiers, such as modifier 50 for bilateral procedures. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 27360 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with osteomyelitis in the femur undergoes a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) to remove the infected bone.
2. A bone abscess is identified in the proximal tibia of a patient, and a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed to remove the abscess.
3. A patient presents with osteomyelitis in the fibula, and a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed to remove the infected bone.
4. A partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed on the femur of a patient with a bone infection.
5. A patient with a bone abscess in the proximal tibia undergoes a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) to remove the abscess.
6. A partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed on the fibula of a patient with osteomyelitis.
7. A patient with a bone infection in the femur undergoes a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) to remove the infected bone.
8. A partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed on the proximal tibia of a patient with a bone abscess.
9. A patient presents with osteomyelitis in the fibula, and a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed to remove the infected bone.
10. A bone abscess is identified in the femur of a patient, and a partial excision procedure (CPT 27360) is performed to remove the abscess.