How To Use CPT Code 27606
CPT 27606 describes a specific procedure that involves the incision of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia. 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 27606?
CPT 27606 is a code that represents a procedure involving the incision of the Achilles tendon. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is used to treat conditions such as tendinitis or correct clubfoot deformity in children.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 27606 is: ‘Tenotomy, percutaneous, Achilles tendon (separate procedure); general anesthesia.’
3. Procedure
- The provider begins by preparing the patient and administering general anesthesia.
- Once the patient is appropriately prepped and under anesthesia, the provider makes a small incision just above the heel and another small incision at the Achilles insertion point into the calf.
- Using a tenotomy knife, the provider incises the tendon at these two locations, loosening the tension on the Achilles tendon.
- This procedure is typically performed to correct clubfoot deformity in children or to treat tendinitis in adults.
- After the procedure, the provider places the patient’s leg in a below the knee cast for approximately six weeks to allow for proper healing.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 27606 is used when the provider performs a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia. This procedure is typically done to treat tendinitis or correct clubfoot deformity in children. It is important to note that this code should not be used for procedures performed under local anesthesia or for the treatment of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
5. When to use CPT code 27606
CPT code 27606 should be used when the provider performs a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or involves the treatment of a ruptured Achilles tendon, a different code should be used.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT code 27606, the provider must document the following information:
- Reason for the procedure, such as tendinitis or clubfoot deformity
- Details of the procedure, including the use of general anesthesia
- Specific locations of the incisions made
- Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with the tenotomy
- Post-procedure care instructions, such as the application of a below the knee cast
- Signature of the provider performing the procedure
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT code 27606, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should only be used for procedures performed under general anesthesia and should not be reported with other codes for procedures performed under local anesthesia or for the treatment of a ruptured Achilles tendon. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of this code.
8. Historical information
CPT code 27606 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
- A patient undergoes a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia to correct clubfoot deformity.
- A provider performs a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia to treat tendinitis in an adult patient.
- A child with clubfoot deformity undergoes a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia to correct the condition.
- A provider performs a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia as part of a larger surgical procedure to address multiple foot and ankle issues.
- An adult patient undergoes a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon under general anesthesia to treat chronic tendinitis.
