How To Use CPT Code 27485

CPT 27485 describes a procedure used to arrest the growth of a leg bone in cases of conditions such as genu varus or genu valgus. 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 27485?

CPT 27485 is a code used to describe a procedure that stops the growth of a leg bone. This procedure is typically performed to correct conditions such as genu varus, where the legs curve outward at the knee, or genu valgus, where the legs curve inward at the knee. The procedure involves techniques such as stapling or placing a plate in the epiphyseal area near the knee to halt the growth of the bone.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27485 is: ‘Arrest, hemiepiphyseal, distal femur or proximal tibia or fibula (eg, genu varus or valgus).’ This code is used to report the procedure of stopping the growth of a leg bone to correct conditions such as genu varus or genu valgus.

3. Procedure

1. The procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia and tourniquet control applied.
2. The provider locates the growth plate, typically using imaging techniques such as an image intensifier.
3. An incision is made in the knee area, and dissection is performed to reach the target bone.
4. Care is taken to avoid injury to nerves during the procedure.
5. Once the target bone area is reached, screws or screw-fixated plates are placed across half of the growth plate to stop growth in that part of the bone.
6. Imaging is used to confirm the proper placement of the screws or plates.
7. The tourniquet is released, hemostasis is achieved, and pain medication may be injected into the wound.
8. The wound is closed in layers, and a dressing is applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27485 is performed in cases where there is a need to arrest the growth of a leg bone to correct conditions such as genu varus or genu valgus. The procedure is typically performed on patients who have not responded to other conservative treatments and have persistent deformities. The provider must ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure and that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

5. When to use CPT code 27485

CPT code 27485 should be used when the provider performs the procedure to arrest the growth of a leg bone to correct conditions such as genu varus or genu valgus. It is important to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s condition. This code should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27485, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-procedure instructions and follow-up plans
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27485, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. The provider should also ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for proper billing and reimbursement. CPT code 27485 should not be reported with other codes unless there are separate and distinct procedures performed.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27485 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs CPT code 27485 to arrest the growth of a leg bone in a patient with genu varus.
2. A patient with genu valgus undergoes CPT code 27485 to stop the growth of a leg bone and correct the deformity.
3. A provider performs CPT code 27485 to halt the growth of a leg bone in a patient with persistent deformity after failed conservative treatments.
4. A patient with genu varus undergoes CPT code 27485 to correct the outward curvature of the legs at the knee.
5. CPT code 27485 is used to describe a procedure performed on a patient with genu valgus to correct the inward curvature of the legs at the knee.
6. A provider performs CPT code 27485 to arrest the growth of a leg bone in a patient with persistent deformity and functional limitations.
7. A patient with genu varus undergoes CPT code 27485 to improve their gait and overall leg alignment.
8. CPT code 27485 is used to describe a procedure performed on a patient with genu valgus to alleviate pain and improve knee function.
9. A provider performs CPT code 27485 to stop the growth of a leg bone in a patient with significant deformity and cosmetic concerns.
10. A patient with genu varus undergoes CPT code 27485 to correct the outward curvature of the legs and improve their overall leg alignment.