How To Use CPT Code 27650

CPT 27650 describes the primary repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon through open or percutaneous methods. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27650?

CPT 27650 is used to describe the primary repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon. This procedure involves the provider repairing the torn tendon within a few days of the tear. The repair can be performed through open surgery, which involves making a single large incision on the back of the lower leg, or through percutaneous surgery, which involves making several small incisions. The provider sutures the two ends of the tendon together, bringing them closer to each other. The goal of this procedure is to restore the integrity and function of the Achilles tendon.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27650 is: ‘Repair, primary, open or percutaneous, ruptured Achilles tendon.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the skin over the torn Achilles tendon.
2. In open surgery, the provider makes a single large incision on the back of the lower leg. In percutaneous surgery, the provider makes several small incisions.
3. The provider dissects down through the subcutaneous tissue to gain access to the torn tendon.
4. The two ends of the tendon are brought closer to each other and sutured together.
5. Hemostasis is achieved at the surgical site, and the wound is closed by suturing the soft tissue in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27650 is performed on patients who have a ruptured Achilles tendon that requires primary repair. The procedure is typically done within a few days of the tear. The patient must meet the criteria for surgical intervention, and the provider must determine that primary repair is the appropriate course of treatment. The decision to perform open or percutaneous surgery depends on various factors, including the extent of the tear and the patient’s overall condition.

5. When to use CPT code 27650

CPT code 27650 should be used when the provider performs the primary repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon through open or percutaneous methods. This code is not appropriate for secondary repairs or repairs involving a graft. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27650, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a ruptured Achilles tendon
• Details of the procedure, including whether it was performed through open or percutaneous methods
• Date of the procedure
• Incision size and location
• Techniques used to repair the tendon
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Postoperative care instructions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27650, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for primary repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon. Use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific method used (open or percutaneous). It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling issues and follow the appropriate coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 27650 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 patient sustains a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing sports. The provider performs primary open repair of the tendon, making a single large incision on the back of the lower leg and suturing the two ends of the tendon together.
2. A patient presents with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The provider performs primary percutaneous repair, making several small incisions and suturing the torn tendon.
3. A patient experiences a traumatic injury resulting in a ruptured Achilles tendon. The provider performs primary open repair, bringing the two ends of the tendon closer and suturing them together.
4. A patient with a ruptured Achilles tendon undergoes primary percutaneous repair. The provider makes multiple small incisions and sutures the torn tendon to facilitate healing.
5. A patient suffers a ruptured Achilles tendon and undergoes primary open repair. The provider makes a single large incision, sutures the two ends of the tendon, and closes the wound.
6. A patient presents with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The provider performs primary percutaneous repair, using multiple small incisions to access and suture the torn tendon.
7. A patient sustains a ruptured Achilles tendon and undergoes primary open repair. The provider makes a single large incision, sutures the two ends of the tendon, and ensures proper wound closure.
8. A patient with a ruptured Achilles tendon undergoes primary percutaneous repair. The provider makes several small incisions, sutures the torn tendon, and ensures proper wound closure.
9. A patient presents with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The provider performs primary open repair, making a single large incision on the back of the lower leg and suturing the two ends of the tendon together.
10. A patient suffers a ruptured Achilles tendon and undergoes primary percutaneous repair. The provider makes multiple small incisions, sutures the torn tendon, and ensures proper wound closure.