How To Use CPT Code 27566

CPT 27566 describes the open treatment of patellar dislocation, with or without partial or total patellectomy. 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 27566?

CPT 27566 can be used to describe the open treatment of patellar dislocation, with or without partial or total patellectomy. This code is used when the provider performs an open reduction of the knee cap to correct patellar dislocation and may also remove the patella partially or completely.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27566 is: ‘Open treatment of patellar dislocation, with or without partial or total patellectomy.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision to gain access to the patella and surrounding structures.
2. The provider manually manipulates the patella and returns it to the correct anatomical position.
3. If necessary, the provider may partially or completely remove the patella.
4. The provider flushes the site with sterile saline and ensures hemostasis.
5. The provider closes the incision with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27566 is used for patients with patellar dislocation who require open treatment. The provider must perform an open reduction of the knee cap and may also perform a partial or total patellectomy. The procedure is typically performed when other treatment methods have failed or when the dislocation is severe.

5. When to use CPT code 27566

CPT code 27566 should be used when the provider performs an open treatment of patellar dislocation, with or without partial or total patellectomy. It is important to note that this code should not be used for closed reduction of the patella without anesthesia or for patellar reconstruction procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27566, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of patellar dislocation
• Details of the open treatment procedure performed, including any partial or total patellectomy
• Date of the procedure
• Incision site and size
• Details of any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27566, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for open treatment of patellar dislocation with or without partial or total patellectomy. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. If the provider performs a closed reduction of the patella without anesthesia, a different CPT code should be used. Additionally, if the provider reconstructs a dislocated patella or performs a partial or complete excision of the patella, different CPT codes should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 27566 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 an open treatment of patellar dislocation, manipulating the patella and returning it to the correct anatomical position.
2. A patient undergoes open treatment of patellar dislocation with partial patellectomy to correct a severe dislocation.
3. A provider performs open treatment of patellar dislocation with total patellectomy due to extensive damage to the patella.
4. An athlete undergoes open treatment of patellar dislocation to restore normal anatomy and prevent future dislocations.
5. A patient with recurrent patellar dislocation undergoes open treatment with partial patellectomy to stabilize the knee joint.
6. A provider performs open treatment of patellar dislocation with total patellectomy to address chronic pain and instability in the knee.
7. A patient with a traumatic patellar dislocation undergoes open treatment to restore normal knee function.
8. A provider performs open treatment of patellar dislocation with partial patellectomy to address patellar instability and improve range of motion.
9. An elderly patient with chronic patellar dislocation undergoes open treatment with total patellectomy to improve mobility and reduce pain.
10. A provider performs open treatment of patellar dislocation with partial patellectomy to address patellar malalignment and prevent future dislocations.