How To Use CPT Code 27641

CPT 27641 describes the partial excision of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis. 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 27641?

CPT 27641 is used to describe the partial excision of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis. This procedure involves the removal of a diseased portion of the fibula bone, either by scooping out the bone or creating a saucer-like depression. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the fibula bone and should not be used for excisions involving the tibia bone.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27641 is: ‘Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy), bone (eg, osteomyelitis); fibula.’ This code was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990, and there have been no updates to the code since its addition.

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 diseased portion of the fibula bone.
3. Subcutaneous tissue and muscle are dissected down to access the bone.
4. The periosteum, the outer membrane of the bone, is incised and reflected to expose the diseased portion of the bone.
5. If performing a craterization or saucerization, the provider uses a burr, a motorized cutting device, to remove the diseased bone. This creates a saucer-like or crater-like depression in the bone.
6. If performing a diaphysectomy, the provider cuts completely through the bone and removes the diseased segment.
7. The provider may choose to fill the space created by the excision with healthy bone or place antibiotic beads in the area.
8. The area is thoroughly washed with an antibiotic solution.
9. Any bleeding is controlled, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers and closing the incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27641 is used for patients with osteomyelitis of the fibula bone. Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. The procedure is performed by a provider who removes a part of the diseased portion of the fibula bone. It is important to note that this code is specific to the fibula bone and should not be used for excisions involving the tibia bone.

5. When to use CPT code 27641

CPT code 27641 should be used when a provider performs a partial excision of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis. It is important to ensure that the procedure is specifically performed on the fibula bone and not the tibia bone. If the excision involves the tibia bone, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27641, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the fibula bone
• Description of the procedure performed, including whether it was a craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the excision, including the amount of bone removed and any additional procedures performed, such as filling the space with healthy bone or placing antibiotic beads
• Use of any anesthesia or sedation
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-procedure instructions or follow-up plans

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27641, ensure that the procedure is performed on the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code for excisions involving the tibia bone. Additionally, consider any additional procedures performed, such as filling the space with healthy bone or placing antibiotic beads, as these may require separate coding. It is important to follow the specific billing guidelines of the payer and provide accurate documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27641 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 a partial excision of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis in a patient.
2. A patient with osteomyelitis of the fibula bone undergoes a saucerization procedure to remove the diseased portion of the bone.
3. A provider performs a diaphysectomy of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis in a patient.
4. A patient with osteomyelitis of the fibula bone undergoes a craterization procedure to remove the diseased portion of the bone.
5. A provider removes a part of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis in a patient, leaving a saucer-like depression in the bone.
6. A patient with osteomyelitis of the fibula bone undergoes a partial excision procedure to remove the diseased portion of the bone.
7. A provider performs a saucerization of the fibula bone to treat osteomyelitis in a patient.
8. A patient with osteomyelitis of the fibula bone undergoes a diaphysectomy procedure to remove the diseased segment of the bone.