How To Use CPT Code 27607

CPT 27607 describes the procedure of making an incision in the leg or ankle to treat osteomyelitis or a bone abscess. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27607?

CPT 27607 can be used to describe the incision procedure performed by a healthcare provider on the leg or ankle to treat osteomyelitis or a bone abscess. This code is used when the provider makes a cut in the skin, tissue, or bone to access and drain the abscess, followed by washing the area with an antibiotic solution and closing the wound.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27607 is: ‘Incision (eg, osteomyelitis or bone abscess), leg or ankle.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the infected bone, allowing access to the affected area.
3. The provider cuts through the soft tissue to reach the infected bone.
4. The periosteum, the outer membrane of the bone, is incised and reflected to expose the abscess.
5. The abscess is drained, and the area is washed with an antibiotic solution to prevent further infection.
6. The periosteum is placed back in its original position over the bone.
7. The wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27607 is used when a patient has osteomyelitis or a bone abscess in the leg or ankle that requires surgical intervention. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is qualified to make the incision and drain the abscess. The patient must meet the criteria for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis or a bone abscess, and the procedure must be performed on the leg or ankle.

5. When to use CPT code 27607

CPT code 27607 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an incision procedure on the leg or ankle to treat osteomyelitis or a bone abscess. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure is performed on a different body part or for a different condition, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27607, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of osteomyelitis or bone abscess
• Details of the incision procedure, including the location of the incision and the size of the abscess
• Date of the procedure
• Specific steps taken during the procedure, such as draining the abscess and washing the area with an antibiotic solution
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27607, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately report the location of the incision (leg or ankle) and the reason for the procedure (osteomyelitis or bone abscess). Pay attention to any additional guidelines or modifiers that may be required for proper billing. It is also important to review any specific payer guidelines or policies regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 27607 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 healthcare provider makes an incision in the leg to drain a bone abscess caused by osteomyelitis.
2. An orthopedic surgeon performs an incision procedure on the ankle to treat a bone abscess in a patient with osteomyelitis.
3. A podiatrist makes an incision in the leg to drain an abscess in the tibia caused by osteomyelitis.
4. A trauma surgeon performs an incision procedure on the ankle to treat a bone abscess resulting from an injury.
5. An orthopedic specialist makes an incision in the leg to drain an abscess in the fibula caused by osteomyelitis.
6. A foot and ankle surgeon performs an incision procedure on the ankle to treat a bone abscess in a patient with a history of osteomyelitis.
7. A general surgeon makes an incision in the leg to drain an abscess in the tibia caused by a bone infection.
8. An orthopedic physician performs an incision procedure on the ankle to treat a bone abscess in a patient with a compromised immune system.
9. A vascular surgeon makes an incision in the leg to drain an abscess in the tibia caused by a bone infection.
10. An orthopedic specialist performs an incision procedure on the ankle to treat a bone abscess in a patient with a chronic illness.