How To Use CPT Code 27550

CPT 27550 describes the closed treatment of knee dislocation without anesthesia. 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 27550?

CPT 27550 can be used to describe the closed treatment of knee dislocation without the use of anesthesia. This code is used when a healthcare provider manipulates the knee to move it back into the correct position and applies a splint to maintain stability.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27550 is: ‘Closed treatment of knee dislocation; without anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider obtains radiologic images to confirm the direction of knee dislocation.
2. The provider manipulates the knee, moving it back into the correct position.
3. A splint is applied to maintain stability.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 27550 services are those with knee dislocation that can be treated without the use of anesthesia. The provider must confirm the direction of the dislocation through radiologic images before proceeding with the closed treatment. The goal of the treatment is to move the knee back into the correct position and stabilize it with a splint.

5. When to use CPT code 27550

CPT code 27550 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation without the use of anesthesia. This code is appropriate when the provider manipulates the knee and applies a splint to maintain stability. If the provider performs closed or open reduction to treat knee dislocation, different codes should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27550, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Radiologic images confirming the direction of knee dislocation
• Details of the closed treatment procedure, including the manipulation of the knee and application of the splint

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27550, ensure that the procedure is performed without the use of anesthesia. This code should not be reported with other codes for closed or open reduction of knee dislocation. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation for reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 27550 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 healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation without anesthesia, manipulating the knee and applying a splint to maintain stability.
2. A patient with knee dislocation undergoes closed treatment without anesthesia, with the provider successfully manipulating the knee back into the correct position and applying a splint.
3. During a closed treatment procedure, the healthcare provider uses radiologic images to confirm the direction of knee dislocation and then manipulates the knee to restore it to the correct position.
4. A patient with knee dislocation receives closed treatment without anesthesia, with the provider effectively manipulating the knee and applying a splint for stability.
5. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation without anesthesia, using radiologic images to guide the manipulation and ensure proper alignment.
6. A patient undergoes closed treatment for knee dislocation, with the provider skillfully manipulating the knee and applying a splint to maintain stability.
7. During a closed treatment procedure, the healthcare provider carefully manipulates the knee to correct the dislocation and then applies a splint to stabilize the joint.
8. A patient with knee dislocation receives closed treatment without anesthesia, with the provider expertly manipulating the knee and applying a splint for support.
9. The healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation without anesthesia, skillfully manipulating the joint and applying a splint to ensure proper alignment.
10. A patient undergoes closed treatment for knee dislocation, with the provider using radiologic images to guide the manipulation and then applying a splint to maintain stability.