How To Use CPT Code 27513

CPT 27513 describes the open treatment of a femoral supracondylar or transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, including internal fixation if performed. 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 27513?

CPT 27513 is used to describe the open treatment of a femoral supracondylar or transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension. This procedure involves the use of internal fixation, such as plates, screws, nails, and/or wires, to stabilize the fracture. The goal of the procedure is to ensure correct alignment of the bones and promote early healing of the fracture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27513 is: ‘Open treatment of femoral supracondylar or transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, includes internal fixation, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision over the medial and lateral condyles of the femur.
2. They then manually reduce the fracture, carefully aligning the bones to their correct anatomical position.
3. If necessary, the provider may insert internal fixation devices, such as screws and plates, into the condylar fragments to immobilize the fracture and achieve stabilization.
4. Following this, traction may be applied at the site to maintain the reduction.
5. The provider ensures hemostasis and closes the incision in layers with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27513 is performed on patients with a femoral supracondylar or transcondylar fracture that extends into the intercondylar space. The procedure may involve the use of internal fixation to stabilize the fracture. It is important to note that this code should only be used when the provider performs the specific procedure described in the official description.

5. When to use CPT code 27513

CPT code 27513 should be used when the provider performs an open treatment of a femoral supracondylar or transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, including internal fixation if performed. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27513, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of a femoral supracondylar or transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension
• Details of the procedure, including the use of internal fixation if performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27513, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code. Additionally, be aware of any specific guidelines or requirements from insurance payers regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 27513 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been several historical changes to the code, including updates to the description and its inclusion on the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare. It is important to stay updated on any changes or revisions to the code.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs an open treatment of a femoral supracondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, using internal fixation to stabilize the fracture.
2. A patient presents with a femoral transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, and the provider performs an open reduction and internal fixation procedure.
3. A provider treats a patient with a complex femoral fracture involving the supracondylar region and intercondylar extension, performing an open reduction and internal fixation.
4. A patient sustains a femoral supracondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, and the provider performs an open treatment with internal fixation to promote proper healing.
5. A provider performs an open reduction and internal fixation procedure on a patient with a femoral transcondylar fracture extending into the intercondylar space.
6. A patient undergoes an open treatment of a femoral supracondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, with the provider utilizing internal fixation to stabilize the fracture.
7. A provider performs an open reduction and internal fixation procedure on a patient with a complex femoral fracture involving the supracondylar region and intercondylar extension.
8. A patient presents with a femoral transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, and the provider performs an open treatment with internal fixation to promote proper healing.
9. A provider treats a patient with a femoral supracondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, performing an open reduction and internal fixation procedure.
10. A patient sustains a femoral transcondylar fracture with intercondylar extension, and the provider performs an open treatment with internal fixation to stabilize the fracture.