How To Use CPT Code 27599

CPT 27599 describes a surgical procedure performed on the femur or knee that does not have a specific code. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27599?

CPT 27599 can be used to report surgical procedures on the femur or knee that do not have a specific code. This code is used when the procedure performed by the provider is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27599 is: ‘Unlisted procedure, femur or knee.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur or knee that does not have a specific code available.
2. The procedure may involve various techniques and approaches depending on the specific condition and circumstances of the patient.
3. The provider follows the appropriate surgical protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
4. The procedure may involve the use of specialized instruments and equipment to access and treat the femur or knee.
5. The provider may perform additional procedures or interventions as necessary during the surgical procedure.
6. The procedure is documented in the patient’s medical record, including details of the specific techniques and approaches used.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27599 is used when the provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur or knee that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available. This code should only be used when there is no specific procedure or service code that accurately describes the procedure performed.

5. When to use CPT code 27599

CPT code 27599 should be used when the provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur or knee that does not have a specific code available. It is important to note that this code should only be used when there is no other appropriate code that accurately describes the procedure performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27599, the provider must document the following information:

• A detailed description of the surgical procedure performed on the femur or knee
• The reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• Comparison to one or more similar codes to justify the claim amount
• Operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27599, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Choose the unlisted procedure code only when there is no specific code available
• Submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code
• Include one or more similar codes and compare the service to those codes to justify the claim amount
• Include the operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

8. Historical information

CPT 27599 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 a surgical procedure on the femur to repair a complex fracture.
2. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the knee to remove loose bodies and repair damaged cartilage.
3. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur to correct a deformity.
4. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the knee to reconstruct a torn ligament.
5. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur to remove a tumor.
6. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the knee to realign the joint.
7. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur to treat a nonunion fracture.
8. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the knee to replace a damaged meniscus.
9. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the femur to remove hardware from a previous surgery.
10. A provider performs a surgical procedure on the knee to address a patellar dislocation.