How To Use CPT Code 27560

CPT 27560 describes the closed treatment of patellar 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 27560?

CPT 27560 can be used to describe the closed treatment of patellar dislocation without anesthesia. This code is used when the healthcare provider moves the patella back into place without breaking the skin and without using anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27560 is: ‘Closed treatment of patellar dislocation; without anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider stabilizes the distal femur and performs closed treatment by extending the knee beyond its range of motion (hyperextension) and moving it in the reverse direction to move the patella back into the patellofemoral groove.
2. The provider may also apply pressure to the patella to assist in its relocation.
3. X-ray imaging may be used to confirm the proper placement of the patella after treatment.
4. No surgical exposure of the knee is involved in this closed procedure, and no anesthesia is used.
5. Traction may be applied after treatment to maintain proper alignment of the bones.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 27560 services are those with patellar dislocation that can be treated without the need for surgical intervention. The procedure is performed without anesthesia, and the provider moves the patella back into place without breaking the skin.

5. When to use CPT code 27560

CPT code 27560 should be used when a healthcare provider performs closed treatment of patellar dislocation without anesthesia. It should not be used if the procedure is performed under anesthesia, in which case CPT code 27562 should be reported.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27560, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of patellar dislocation
• Description of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Confirmation of proper placement of the patella through X-ray imaging, if applicable
• Any additional treatment or traction applied after the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27560, ensure that the procedure is performed without anesthesia and that the patella is moved back into place without breaking the skin. If the procedure is performed under anesthesia, report it with CPT code 27562. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 27560 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 27560 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 patellar dislocation without anesthesia for a patient who sustained a sports-related injury.
2. A provider relocates the patella without anesthesia for a patient who experienced a traumatic patellar dislocation during a fall.
3. A healthcare professional performs closed treatment of patellar dislocation without anesthesia for a patient with a history of recurrent dislocations.
4. A provider moves the patella back into place without anesthesia for a patient who dislocated their patella during a dance rehearsal.
5. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of patellar dislocation without anesthesia for a patient who dislocated their patella while hiking.
6. A provider relocates the patella without anesthesia for a patient who experienced a patellar dislocation during a soccer game.
7. A healthcare professional performs closed treatment of patellar dislocation without anesthesia for a patient who dislocated their patella while skiing.
8. A provider moves the patella back into place without anesthesia for a patient who sustained a patellar dislocation during a car accident.
9. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment of patellar dislocation without anesthesia for a patient who dislocated their patella while playing basketball.
10. A provider relocates the patella without anesthesia for a patient who experienced a patellar dislocation during a gymnastics routine.