How To Use CPT Code 27580

CPT 27580 describes the procedure of arthrodesis, which involves the fusion of the knee joint using any technique. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27580?

CPT 27580 is used to describe the arthrodesis procedure performed on the knee joint. This procedure involves the fusion of the knee joint using any technique. It is commonly performed to treat various conditions such as infections, loss of quadriceps function, failed total knee replacement, and congenital dysgenesis of the femur.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27580 is: ‘Arthrodesis, knee, any technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An anterior longitudinal incision is made to open the knee joint and remove the patella.
3. The provider then uses surgical tools to create bone incisions in the tibia and femur.
4. There are two common techniques used for knee arthrodesis:
• The compression technique involves the application of an external fixator, such as a bilateral biplanar fixation device or charnley clamp. A unilateral frame with two pins is inserted into the femoral and tibial aspect, and the knee is filled with graft material.
• The intramedullary technique involves the insertion of nails through a guide wire that has been threaded down into the tibia and femur. The provider ensures hemostasis and closes the incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27580 is performed on patients who require knee arthrodesis due to conditions such as infections, loss of quadriceps function, failed total knee replacement, and congenital dysgenesis of the femur. The procedure can be performed by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in performing arthrodesis procedures on the knee joint.

5. When to use CPT code 27580

CPT code 27580 should be used when the provider performs arthrodesis on the knee joint using any technique. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the criteria outlined in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27580, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for knee arthrodesis
• Specific technique used for the arthrodesis procedure
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including any complications or additional steps taken
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27580, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The provider should also follow any additional billing guidelines set forth by the payer. It is important to accurately code and document the procedure to avoid any potential billing issues or denials.

8. Historical information

CPT 27580 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several historical changes to the code, including being added and removed from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare. It is important to stay updated on any changes or updates to the code.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a severe knee infection undergoes arthrodesis of the knee joint using the compression technique.
2. A patient experiences loss of quadriceps function and requires arthrodesis of the knee joint using the intramedullary technique.
3. A patient with a failed total knee replacement undergoes arthrodesis of the knee joint using the compression technique.
4. A patient with congenital dysgenesis of the femur requires arthrodesis of the knee joint using the intramedullary technique.
5. A patient with a history of knee infections and loss of quadriceps function undergoes arthrodesis of the knee joint using the compression technique.
6. A patient with failed total knee replacement and congenital dysgenesis of the femur requires arthrodesis of the knee joint using the intramedullary technique.
7. A patient with a severe knee infection and loss of quadriceps function undergoes arthrodesis of the knee joint using the compression technique.
8. A patient with a failed total knee replacement and congenital dysgenesis of the femur requires arthrodesis of the knee joint using the intramedullary technique.
9. A patient with a severe knee infection, loss of quadriceps function, and failed total knee replacement undergoes arthrodesis of the knee joint using the compression technique.
10. A patient with congenital dysgenesis of the femur and a history of knee infections requires arthrodesis of the knee joint using the intramedullary technique.