How To Use CPT Code 27638

CPT 27638 describes the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the tibia or fibula, along with the application of an allograft. 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 27638?

CPT 27638 is used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a bone cyst or benign tumor from the tibia or fibula. The procedure also involves the application of an allograft, which is a tissue graft harvested from one person for another. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent infection and relieve pain in the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27638 is the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the tibia or fibula, along with the application of an allograft. It is important to note that this code does not include the harvesting of the graft.

3. Procedure

1. The procedure begins with the patient being appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the cyst or tumor in the tibia or fibula.
3. He then dissects through the subcutaneous tissue and muscle layers.
4. The periosteum, which is the outer membrane of the bone, is incised and reflected.
5. The provider proceeds to excise the cyst or tumor using a burr and smooths the surfaces of the bone.
6. The area is washed with warm saline or an antibiotic solution.
7. An allograft is then applied in the space created from the excision of the bone cyst or tumor.
8. If necessary, the graft may be fixed with a plate and screws.
9. Any bleeding is controlled, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers and the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27638 is performed on patients who have a bone cyst or benign tumor in the tibia or fibula. The procedure is intended to relieve pain and prevent infection. It is important to note that this code does not include the harvesting of the graft.

5. When to use CPT code 27638

CPT code 27638 should be used when a provider performs the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the tibia or fibula, along with the application of an allograft. It is important to note that this code does not include the harvesting of the graft.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27638, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a bone cyst or benign tumor in the tibia or fibula
• Description of the excision or curettage procedure performed
• Details of the allograft application
• Any additional procedures performed, such as fixing the graft with a plate and screws
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27638, ensure that the excision or curettage of the bone cyst or benign tumor in the tibia or fibula, along with the application of an allograft, is performed. It is important to note that this code does not include the harvesting of the graft. There are no specific billing guidelines mentioned for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27638 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 the excision of a bone cyst in the tibia of a patient and applies an allograft to the site.
2. A surgeon performs the curettage of a benign tumor in the fibula of a patient and applies an allograft to promote healing.
3. A patient undergoes the excision of a bone cyst in the tibia, along with the application of an allograft, to alleviate pain and prevent infection.
4. A provider performs the curettage of a benign tumor in the fibula, along with the application of an allograft, to improve the patient’s quality of life.
5. A surgeon excises a bone cyst in the tibia and applies an allograft to promote bone regeneration and prevent complications.
6. A patient undergoes the curettage of a benign tumor in the fibula, along with the application of an allograft, to restore normal bone function.
7. A provider performs the excision of a bone cyst in the tibia, along with the application of an allograft, to address the patient’s symptoms and prevent further complications.
8. A surgeon performs the curettage of a benign tumor in the fibula, along with the application of an allograft, to improve the patient’s mobility and overall well-being.
9. A patient undergoes the excision of a bone cyst in the tibia, along with the application of an allograft, to alleviate pain and promote bone healing.
10. A provider performs the curettage of a benign tumor in the fibula, along with the application of an allograft, to prevent further growth and improve the patient’s quality of life.