How To Use CPT Code 27450

CPT 27450 describes a surgical procedure that involves an osteotomy of the femur bone in the thigh region. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 27450, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of when to use this code.

1. What is CPT Code 27450?

CPT 27450 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure known as an osteotomy. This procedure involves the cutting of a portion of the femur bone in the thigh region, either in the shaft or supracondylar area. The purpose of this procedure is to correct any alignment issues or deformities in the bone. Fixation devices, such as nails, screws, or wire, may also be used to ensure the bone is properly aligned.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27450 is: ‘Osteotomy, femur, shaft or supracondylar; with fixation.’ This code is used to report the surgical procedure of cutting a portion of the femur bone in the thigh region, either in the shaft or supracondylar area, and fixing it in the correct alignment using fixation devices.

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon begins by making an incision in the skin over the outer or inner side of the thigh, depending on the specific case.
2. Soft tissues are then carefully dissected, and the periosteum, the outer covering of the bone, is incised.
3. The surgeon elevates the periosteum and removes a portion of the femur bone from either the shaft or supracondylar area.
4. Fixation devices, such as nails, screws, or wire, are used to secure the bone in the correct alignment.
5. The periosteum is reattached, and the soft tissues are sutured together to close the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 27450 is used for patients who require an osteotomy of the femur bone in the thigh region to correct alignment issues or deformities. This procedure is typically performed when other non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful. It is important to note that this code should only be used when fixation devices are used to secure the bone in the correct alignment.

5. When to use CPT code 27450

CPT code 27450 should be used when a surgeon performs an osteotomy of the femur bone in the thigh region and uses fixation devices to secure the bone in the correct alignment. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27450, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the osteotomy procedure
• Specific details of the procedure, including the location of the osteotomy (shaft or supracondylar area)
• Details of the fixation devices used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27450, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, it is important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer. Modifier 50 should be used to indicate a bilateral procedure if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27450 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several historical changes to the code, including being added and removed from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare. It is important to stay updated on any changes or updates to the code.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a severe deformity in their femur bone undergoes an osteotomy procedure with fixation to correct the alignment.
2. A surgeon performs an osteotomy of the femur bone in the shaft area and uses fixation devices to secure the bone in the correct alignment for a patient with a congenital bone deformity.
3. An individual with a history of trauma to the thigh region undergoes an osteotomy procedure with fixation to correct the resulting alignment issues.
4. A patient with a degenerative bone disease requires an osteotomy of the femur bone in the supracondylar area with fixation to improve their mobility and quality of life.
5. A surgeon performs an osteotomy of the femur bone in the shaft area and uses fixation devices to correct the alignment for a patient with a nonunion fracture.
6. An individual with a severe bone deformity in the thigh region undergoes an osteotomy procedure with fixation to improve their overall function and reduce pain.
7. A patient with a history of failed non-surgical treatments for their femur bone deformity undergoes an osteotomy procedure with fixation to correct the alignment.
8. A surgeon performs an osteotomy of the femur bone in the supracondylar area and uses fixation devices to secure the bone in the correct alignment for a patient with a congenital bone disorder.
9. An individual with a traumatic injury to the thigh region requires an osteotomy procedure with fixation to correct the resulting alignment issues and promote proper healing.
10. A patient with a degenerative joint disease undergoes an osteotomy of the femur bone in the shaft area with fixation to improve their joint function and reduce pain.