How To Use CPT Code 27380

CPT 27380 describes the primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon, which is a tendon of the quadriceps muscle that extends from the patella to the tibia. 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 27380?

CPT 27380 can be used to describe the primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon. This procedure involves repairing the tendon within a few days of injury. The provider makes an incision above the patella and dissects down to expose the patellar tendon. They assess the pattern of injury and quality of the tendon tissue, debride any torn or scarred tissue, and suture the torn part of the tendon using nonabsorbable sutures. In some cases, the provider may also drill holes in the lower end of the patella to further strengthen the tendon repair. The wound is then closed by suturing the soft tissue layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27380 is: ‘Suture of infrapatellar tendon; primary.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision above the patella, extending to a few centimeters below the tibial tubercle.
2. They dissect through the soft tissue layers to expose the patellar tendon.
3. The provider assesses the pattern of injury and quality of the tendon tissue.
4. Any torn or scarred tissue around the tendon is debrided.
5. The torn part of the patellar tendon is sutured using nonabsorbable sutures.
6. In some cases, the provider may drill holes in the lower end of the patella and pass the sutures through the holes to strengthen the tendon repair.
7. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site.
8. The soft tissue layers are sutured to close the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27380 is performed when there is a need for primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon. This procedure is typically done within a few days of the injury. The patient must have a documented diagnosis that requires this specific repair. The provider must assess the pattern of injury and quality of the tendon tissue to determine if primary repair is appropriate. It is important to note that CPT 27380 is specifically for primary repair and should not be used for secondary repair using a tendon graft.

5. When to use CPT code 27380

CPT code 27380 should be used when the provider performs primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon. This code is appropriate when the repair is done within a few days of the injury and involves suturing the torn part of the tendon. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the need for primary repair and that the procedure performed aligns with the description of CPT 27380.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27380, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis requiring primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon
• Description of the pattern of injury and quality of the tendon tissue
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, debridement, suturing, and any additional steps performed
• Documentation of any additional procedures or techniques used, such as drilling holes in the patella
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27380, ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description of the code. It is important to document the need for primary repair and the specific details of the procedure. CPT 27380 should not be reported with CPT codes 27381 or any other codes for secondary repair using a tendon graft. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 27380 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 sustains an injury to their infrapatellar tendon and undergoes primary repair within a few days of the injury.
2. A provider performs primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon using nonabsorbable sutures after assessing the pattern of injury and quality of the tendon tissue.
3. During a surgical procedure, a torn part of the patellar tendon is sutured using CPT code 27380.
4. A patient with a documented diagnosis requiring primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon undergoes the procedure.
5. A provider performs primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon, strengthening the repair by drilling holes in the lower end of the patella and passing sutures through the holes.
6. After debriding torn and scarred tissue, a provider sutures the torn part of the patellar tendon using nonabsorbable sutures, performing primary repair.
7. A patient undergoes primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon, with the provider achieving hemostasis and closing the wound by suturing the soft tissue layers.
8. During the procedure, the provider makes an incision above the patella and dissects down to expose the patellar tendon for primary repair.
9. A provider performs primary repair of the infrapatellar tendon, documenting the details of the procedure and obtaining the patient’s signature.