How To Use CPT Code 27517

CPT 27517 describes the closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation, which involves the manipulation of the separation between the lower end part of the femur (thigh bone). 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 27517?

CPT 27517 is used to describe the closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation. This procedure involves the manipulation of the separation between the lower end part of the femur, also known as the thigh bone. The goal of this treatment is to stabilize and reduce the separation between the epiphysis, which is the end portion of a long bone responsible for bone growth.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27517 is: ‘Closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation; with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a closed reduction of the distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation.
2. The provider ensures correct anatomical alignment of the separated bones.
3. A cast is applied to stabilize the area, extending above and below the knee.
4. Skin or skeletal traction may be employed to further stabilize the separation.
5. The cast and, if applied, the traction device are removed after three or four weeks, ensuring proper fixation at the epiphysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27517 is performed on patients with a distal femoral epiphyseal separation. This injury commonly occurs in young children and is often missed. The procedure is performed by a provider to manually manipulate the separation and ensure correct anatomical alignment. A cast is applied to prevent excessive motion, and skin or skeletal traction may be used for further stabilization.

5. When to use CPT code 27517

CPT code 27517 should be used when a provider performs a closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation. It is important to note that if the provider performs the procedure without manipulation, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27517, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of distal femoral epiphyseal separation
• Details of the closed reduction procedure, including manipulation and any use of skin or skeletal traction
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the cast applied, including its extent above and below the knee
• Progress of the patient and any follow-up care provided
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27517, ensure that the procedure involves the closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and use the appropriate CPT code based on the procedure performed. Additionally, consider any additional supplies of casting materials that may need to be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 27517 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation for a young child who sustained the injury during a fall.
2. A patient presents with a distal femoral epiphyseal separation, and the provider performs a closed reduction procedure to realign the separated bones.
3. A provider applies a cast to stabilize the area after performing a closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation.
4. A young patient undergoes a closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation, and skin traction is employed for further stabilization.
5. A provider removes the cast and traction device after three weeks, ensuring proper fixation at the epiphysis following a closed treatment of distal femoral epiphyseal separation with manipulation.