How To Use CPT Code 27594

CPT 27594 describes the procedure for amputation of the thigh through the femur, specifically involving secondary closure or scar revision. This article will cover the description, official terminology, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27594?

CPT 27594 is used to describe the amputation procedure performed on the thigh through the femur, with a focus on secondary closure or scar revision. This code is used when the provider removes the leg at any level of the thigh bone and performs a secondary closure or revision of the scar. The amputation may be necessary due to severe injury, tumor, or a severe infection that could spread to other parts of the body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27594 is: ‘Amputation, thigh, through femur, any level; secondary closure or scar revision.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 27594, the provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Following the granulation of the stump, the provider performs a secondary closure by resecting the scar and granulation tissue from the end of the stump.
3. Skin flaps are then created close to the wound, clearing away any excess scar tissue and muscles from the end of the bone.
4. The provider approximates the skin flaps using nonabsorbable sutures and applies temporary drains if necessary.
5. No additional bone excision is performed during this procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27594 is used for patients who require amputation of the thigh through the femur with secondary closure or scar revision. This procedure may be necessary due to trauma, disease, or complications from previous surgery. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for amputation and scar revision.

5. When to use CPT code 27594

CPT code 27594 should be used when the provider performs amputation of the thigh through the femur with secondary closure or scar revision. It is important to accurately document the specific details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27594, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for amputation and scar revision
• Details of the procedure, including the level of amputation and the specific techniques used for secondary closure or scar revision
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27594, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the billing. CPT code 27594 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures were performed. It is recommended to review the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27594 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with severe trauma to the thigh undergoes amputation through the femur at the mid-level, with secondary closure to revise the scar.
2. A patient with a history of bone sarcoma requires amputation of the thigh through the femur, with secondary closure and osteoplasty to address the tumor.
3. A patient who previously underwent amputation of the thigh through the femur requires re-amputation and scar revision due to complications.
4. A patient with a severe infection in the thigh undergoes amputation through the femur, with secondary closure to prevent the spread of infection.
5. A patient with a non-healing wound on the thigh undergoes amputation through the femur, with scar revision to promote healing and prevent further complications.