How To Use CPT Code 27552

CPT 27552 describes the closed treatment of knee dislocation, which requires 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 27552?

CPT 27552 is used to describe the closed treatment of knee dislocation, specifically when anesthesia is required. This code is used when the healthcare provider manipulates the knee back into the correct position without making a surgical incision. The treatment involves the use of radiologic images to confirm the direction of the dislocation, followed by the manipulation of the knee and the application of a splint to maintain stability.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27552 is: ‘Closed treatment of knee dislocation; requiring anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

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

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27552 is used when the patient has a knee dislocation that requires closed treatment with anesthesia. Knee dislocation refers to a situation where the knee joint is out of its normal place. The healthcare provider must use their hands or instruments to manipulate the knee and realign the underlying bones. Radiologic images are obtained to confirm the direction of the dislocation. The splint is applied to hold the broken bone together and prevent any movement, ensuring stability.

5. When to use CPT code 27552

CPT code 27552 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation with anesthesia. It is important to note that this code should not be used if the provider performs closed or open reduction to treat knee dislocation without anesthesia administration. In such cases, different codes, such as 27550 or 27558, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27552, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of knee dislocation
• Confirmation of the direction of the dislocation through radiologic images
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Application of a splint for stability

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27552, ensure that the procedure involves closed treatment of knee dislocation with anesthesia. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional codes that may be necessary based on the specific circumstances of the treatment. It is also important to note that CPT code 27552 should not be reported if other codes, such as 27566, have already been performed in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 27552 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 patient undergoes closed treatment of knee dislocation with anesthesia, where the healthcare provider manipulates the knee back into the correct position and applies a splint for stability.
2. After confirming the direction of knee dislocation through radiologic images, the healthcare provider performs closed treatment with anesthesia, successfully realigning the underlying bones and ensuring stability with a splint.
3. A patient with knee dislocation receives closed treatment under anesthesia, with the healthcare provider skillfully manipulating the knee and applying a splint to maintain stability.
4. Using radiologic images to guide the procedure, the healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation with anesthesia, achieving successful realignment and stability with a splint.
5. During a closed treatment procedure, the healthcare provider administers anesthesia and skillfully manipulates the knee to correct the dislocation, followed by the application of a splint for stability.
6. A patient with knee dislocation undergoes closed treatment with anesthesia, where the healthcare provider expertly manipulates the knee back into the correct position and applies a splint to ensure stability.
7. After confirming the direction of the dislocation through radiologic images, the healthcare provider performs closed treatment with anesthesia, skillfully manipulating the knee and applying a splint to maintain stability.
8. A patient receives closed treatment of knee dislocation under anesthesia, with the healthcare provider expertly manipulating the knee and applying a splint for stability.
9. Using radiologic images to guide the procedure, the healthcare provider performs closed treatment of knee dislocation with anesthesia, successfully realigning the underlying bones and ensuring stability with a splint.
10. During a closed treatment procedure, the healthcare provider administers anesthesia and skillfully manipulates the knee to correct the dislocation, followed by the application of a splint for stability.