How To Use CPT Code 27470

CPT 27470 describes the repair of a nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck without the use of a graft. 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 27470?

CPT 27470 can be used to describe the repair of a nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck without the use of a graft. This code is used when the provider restores the correct alignment of the bone segments and fixes them in place using a nongraft method, such as a compression plate or screws.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27470 is: ‘Repair, nonunion or malunion, femur, distal to head and neck; without graft (eg, compression technique)’. This code specifically refers to the repair of a nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck without the use of a graft.

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the site of the nonunion or malunion of the femur fracture.
2. She dissects down through the subcutaneous tissue, exposing the site of nonunion or malunion.
3. Any previous implant present at the fracture site is removed.
4. The provider assesses the site of malunion or nonunion and uses a surgical instrument to restore the correct alignment of the bone segments.
5. A nongraft method, such as a compression plate or screws, is used to fix the bone segments in place.
6. An intramedullary nail or rod may be used in the bone’s central cavity to keep the bone pieces together.
7. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site to stop bleeding.
8. The wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27470 is performed on patients with a nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck. It is used when the provider repairs the fracture without the use of a graft. Nonunion refers to the failure of a fractured bone to heal, while malunion refers to the faulty union of a bone after a fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 27470

CPT code 27470 should be used when the provider performs a repair of a nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck without the use of a graft. It is important to accurately document the specific details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27470, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of a nongraft method such as a compression plate or screws
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical approach and technique used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27470, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a repair of a nonunion or malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck without the use of a graft. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided during the same surgical session. Review the specific billing guidelines of the payer to ensure compliance with their requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 27470 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was initially included in the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017, removed from the IPO list in 2021, and added back to the IPO list in 2022.

9. Examples

1. A provider repairs a nonunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck using a compression plate and screws.
2. A patient presents with a malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck, and the provider performs a repair without the use of a graft.
3. A nonunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck is corrected by a provider using a compression plate and screws.
4. A malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck is successfully repaired without the use of a graft by a provider.
5. A patient with a nonunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck undergoes a repair procedure using a compression plate and screws.
6. A provider performs a repair of a malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck without the use of a graft.
7. A nonunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck is corrected by a provider using a compression plate and screws.
8. A malunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck is successfully repaired without the use of a graft by a provider.
9. A patient with a nonunion of a femur fracture below the femur head and neck undergoes a repair procedure using a compression plate and screws.