How To Use CPT Code 27391

CPT 27391 describes the surgical procedure of open tenotomy for multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg. 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 27391?

CPT 27391 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which the provider performs an open tenotomy, involving the surgical division or cutting of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles from the knee to the hip in one leg. The hamstring muscles, including the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, are responsible for bending the knee joint and backward movement of the thigh.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27391 is: ‘Tenotomy, open, hamstring, knee to hip; multiple tendons, one leg.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made in the skin of the back of the thigh, just above the popliteal fossa, to gain access to the tendons that need to be divided.
3. The provider then dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to expose the tendons.
4. Next, the tendons are incised to lengthen them, allowing the muscles to return to their normal length and correcting any deformity.
5. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27391 is performed when there is a congenital or acquired shortening of the hamstring muscles, causing a deformity that needs correction. The procedure is done on patients who require the division of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg. It is important to note that this procedure is specific to the hamstring muscles and does not involve other muscle groups.

5. When to use CPT code 27391

CPT code 27391 should be used when the provider performs an open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg. It is important to accurately document the specific muscles and leg involved in the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27391, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure, including the presence of a deformity caused by shortening of the hamstring muscles
• Specific tendons of the hamstring muscles that were divided
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any complications encountered during the procedure
• Postoperative care instructions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27391, ensure that the procedure performed involves the open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg. It is important to accurately report the specific leg and tendons involved in the procedure. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 27391 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 27391 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being updated to ‘Tenotomy, open, hamstring, knee to hip; multiple tendons, 1 leg.’

9. Examples

1. A provider performs an open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg to correct a congenital deformity.
2. A patient with acquired shortening of the hamstring muscles undergoes an open tenotomy of multiple tendons in one leg to improve their range of motion.
3. A provider performs an open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg to correct a deformity caused by a previous injury.
4. A patient with a congenital shortening of the hamstring muscles undergoes an open tenotomy of multiple tendons in one leg to improve their ability to walk and perform daily activities.
5. A provider performs an open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg to alleviate pain and improve function in a patient with a muscle contracture.
6. A patient with acquired shortening of the hamstring muscles undergoes an open tenotomy of multiple tendons in one leg to improve their athletic performance.
7. A provider performs an open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg to correct a deformity that is causing difficulty in sitting and standing.
8. A patient with a congenital shortening of the hamstring muscles undergoes an open tenotomy of multiple tendons in one leg to improve their overall quality of life.
9. A provider performs an open tenotomy of multiple tendons of the hamstring muscles in one leg to correct a deformity that is causing gait abnormalities.
10. A patient with acquired shortening of the hamstring muscles undergoes an open tenotomy of multiple tendons in one leg to improve their ability to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation.