How To Use CPT Code 27501

CPT 27501 describes the closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture without manipulation. 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 27501?

CPT 27501 can be used to describe the closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture without manipulation. This code is used when a healthcare provider repairs a broken bone in the femur by setting it for healing, without the need for manipulation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27501 is: ‘Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture with or without intercondylar extension, without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider confirms the exact site of the fracture using radiographic images.
2. A long leg cast or other fixation materials are applied to stabilize the fracture.
3. In some cases, traction may be applied to achieve more stabilization and correct bone alignment.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 27501 treatment are those with a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture without the need for manipulation. The fracture may or may not have an intercondylar extension. The healthcare provider must confirm the fracture through radiographic images and determine that closed treatment without manipulation is appropriate.

5. When to use CPT code 27501

CPT code 27501 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture without manipulation. This code should not be used if manipulation is required to set the bone. It is important to accurately document the procedure performed to ensure proper coding.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27501, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Radiographic images confirming the site and type of fracture
• Description of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Details of any fixation materials or traction applied

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27501, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria for closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture without manipulation. It is important to accurately document the procedure and use the appropriate CPT code. Consider any additional services or procedures performed in conjunction with CPT 27501 and follow the appropriate coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 27501 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar femoral fracture without manipulation, applying a long leg cast for stabilization.
2. A patient presents with a transcondylar femoral fracture without intercondylar extension, and the healthcare provider performs closed treatment using fixation materials.
3. A healthcare provider applies traction to stabilize a supracondylar femoral fracture without manipulation.
4. A patient with a transcondylar femoral fracture without intercondylar extension undergoes closed treatment without manipulation, using a combination of a long leg cast and traction.
5. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar femoral fracture without manipulation, using a specialized fixation device.
6. A patient presents with a transcondylar femoral fracture without intercondylar extension, and the healthcare provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, using a combination of a long leg cast and traction.
7. A healthcare provider applies a long leg cast to stabilize a supracondylar femoral fracture without manipulation.
8. A patient with a transcondylar femoral fracture without intercondylar extension undergoes closed treatment without manipulation, using a specialized fixation device.
9. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar femoral fracture without manipulation, using a combination of a long leg cast and traction.
10. A patient presents with a transcondylar femoral fracture without intercondylar extension, and the healthcare provider performs closed treatment without manipulation, applying a long leg cast for stabilization.