How To Use CPT Code 27509

CPT 27509 describes the percutaneous skeletal fixation of a femoral fracture, specifically the distal end, medial or lateral condyle, or supracondylar or transcondylar areas, with or without intercondylar extension, or distal femoral epiphyseal separation. 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 27509?

CPT 27509 is used to describe the percutaneous skeletal fixation of a femoral fracture, specifically targeting the distal end, medial or lateral condyle, or supracondylar or transcondylar areas. This procedure involves the insertion of pins, screws, or wires through the skin and into the bone to stabilize the fracture. It may also include correction for intercondylar extension or distal femoral epiphyseal separation. The goal of this procedure is to achieve stability of the fracture and promote proper healing of the bones in their normal alignment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27509 is: ‘Percutaneous skeletal fixation of femoral fracture, distal end, medial or lateral condyle, or supracondylar or transcondylar, with or without intercondylar extension, or distal femoral epiphyseal separation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Radiological images are obtained to locate the fracture.
3. The provider creates holes at the site of the fracture.
4. A fixation device, such as pins, is introduced at the fracture site.
5. The provider ensures hemostasis and closes the incision with sutures.
6. The pins are typically removed a few weeks after the fixation procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27509 is performed on patients with a femoral fracture, specifically targeting the distal end, medial or lateral condyle, or supracondylar or transcondylar areas. It may also be used for cases involving intercondylar extension or distal femoral epiphyseal separation. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in skeletal fixation procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 27509

CPT code 27509 should be used when a percutaneous skeletal fixation procedure is performed on a femoral fracture, specifically targeting the distal end, medial or lateral condyle, or supracondylar or transcondylar areas. It is important to accurately document the specific location and nature of the fracture to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27509, the following documentation is typically required:

• Clear documentation of the femoral fracture and its specific location
• Description of the fixation procedure performed, including the use of pins, screws, or wires
• Date of the procedure
• Details of any additional procedures or corrections performed, such as intercondylar extension or distal femoral epiphyseal separation
• Documentation of any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the performing healthcare professional

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27509, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific requirements of the code. The use of pins, screws, or wires for skeletal fixation should be clearly documented. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines specific to the healthcare facility. It is recommended to review the complete code description and any associated guidelines to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27509 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient sustains a distal femoral fracture, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using pins to stabilize the fracture.
2. A patient presents with a medial condyle fracture, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using screws to stabilize the fracture.
3. A patient has a supracondylar fracture, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using wires to stabilize the fracture.
4. A patient experiences a transcondylar fracture, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using pins and screws to stabilize the fracture.
5. A patient has a distal femoral epiphyseal separation, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using pins and wires to stabilize the separation.
6. A patient sustains a femoral fracture with intercondylar extension, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using screws and wires to stabilize the fracture and extension.
7. A patient presents with a lateral condyle fracture, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using pins and screws to stabilize the fracture.
8. A patient has a supracondylar fracture with distal femoral epiphyseal separation, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using pins, screws, and wires to stabilize the fracture and separation.
9. A patient experiences a transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, and the provider performs percutaneous skeletal fixation using pins, screws, and wires to stabilize the fracture and extension.