How To Use CPT Code 27618
CPT 27618 describes the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically the subcutaneous layer, when the tumor measures less than 3 cm in diameter. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.
1. What is CPT Code 27618?
CPT 27618 is used to describe the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically the subcutaneous layer. This procedure is performed when the tumor measures less than 3 cm in diameter. The provider removes the tumor along with narrow margins of normal tissue surrounding the lesion, without removing a significant amount of surrounding normal tissue.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 27618 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of leg or ankle area, subcutaneous; less than 3 cm.’
3. Procedure
- The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
- An incision is made in the skin of the leg or ankle over the tumor, using a sharp instrument.
- The provider carefully removes the tumor along with narrow margins of normal tissue around the lesion.
- Any bleeding is controlled, and the incision is closed.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 27618 is performed on patients with tumors in the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically the subcutaneous layer. The tumor must measure less than 3 cm in diameter. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has determined that the excision is necessary based on the patient’s condition and medical history.
5. When to use CPT code 27618
CPT code 27618 should be used when a provider performs an excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically the subcutaneous layer, and the tumor measures less than 3 cm in diameter. If the tumor measures 3 cm or greater, a different CPT code should be used.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT code 27618, the provider must document the following information:
- Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
- Size of the tumor
- Date of the procedure
- Details of the procedure, including the incision and removal of the tumor
- Any complications or additional procedures performed
- Signature of the provider performing the procedure
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT code 27618, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the size of the tumor and any additional procedures performed. CPT code 27618 should not be reported with other codes for complex closure, neuroplasty, or adjacent tissue transfer. It is important to review the specific guidelines and requirements of the payer when submitting a claim for CPT code 27618.
8. Historical information
CPT code 27618 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being updated to specify the leg or ankle area.
9. Examples
- A provider performs an excision of a 2 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
- A surgeon removes a 1.5 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle.
- A dermatologist excises a 2.5 cm tumor from the subcutaneous layer of a patient’s leg.
- An orthopedic surgeon performs an excision of a 2.8 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle.
- A plastic surgeon removes a 2.2 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
- A provider excises a 1.7 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle.
- A surgeon performs an excision of a 2.9 cm tumor from the subcutaneous layer of a patient’s leg.
- A dermatologist removes a 2.3 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle.
- An orthopedic surgeon excises a 2.6 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
- A plastic surgeon performs an excision of a 1.8 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle.
