How To Use CPT Code 27632

CPT 27632 describes the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically subcutaneous tissue, when the tumor measures 3 cm or greater 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 27632?

CPT 27632 can be used to describe the excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically subcutaneous tissue. This code is used when the tumor measures 3 cm or greater in diameter and does not involve the removal of a significant amount of surrounding normal tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27632 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of leg or ankle area, subcutaneous; 3 cm or greater.’ This code should not be used for the excision of benign lesions of cutaneous origin, such as sebaceous cysts, which have their own specific codes (11400-11406).

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin of the leg or ankle over the tumor, which measures 3 cm or greater in diameter.
3. The provider removes the tumor along with narrow margins of normal tissue surrounding the lesion.
4. Any bleeding is controlled, and the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27632 is used for the excision of tumors from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically subcutaneous tissue. The tumor must measure 3 cm or greater in diameter. This code should not be used for the excision of benign lesions of cutaneous origin, such as sebaceous cysts.

5. When to use CPT code 27632

CPT code 27632 should be used when the provider performs an excision of a tumor from the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically subcutaneous tissue, and the tumor measures 3 cm or greater in diameter. This code should not be used for the excision of benign lesions of cutaneous origin.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27632, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
• Size of the tumor, measuring 3 cm or greater in diameter
• Details of the procedure, including the incision and removal of the tumor with narrow margins of normal tissue
• Control of any bleeding and closure of the incision
• Signature of the provider performing the excision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27632, ensure that the excision is performed on a tumor in the soft tissue of the leg or ankle area, specifically subcutaneous tissue, and that the tumor measures 3 cm or greater in diameter. This code should not be reported for the excision of benign lesions of cutaneous origin. Modifier 80, Assistant surgeon, may be appended if a surgical assistant is involved. It is important to check with individual insurers regarding payment for surgical assistants.

8. Historical information

CPT 27632 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs an excision of a 4 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
2. A surgeon removes a 5 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle area.
3. An orthopedic specialist excises a 3.5 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
4. A physician performs an excision of a 6 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle area.
5. A surgeon removes a 3.2 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
6. An orthopedic specialist excises a 4.8 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle area.
7. A provider performs an excision of a 3.7 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
8. A surgeon removes a 5.5 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle area.
9. An orthopedic specialist excises a 3.9 cm tumor from the subcutaneous tissue of a patient’s leg.
10. A physician performs an excision of a 4.5 cm tumor from the soft tissue of a patient’s ankle area.