How To Use CPT Code 27715

CPT 27715 describes a procedure known as osteoplasty, which involves the lengthening or shortening of the tibia and fibula. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 27715, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27715?

CPT 27715 is used to describe a surgical procedure called osteoplasty, specifically for the lengthening or shortening of the tibia and fibula. This procedure is performed to correct a discrepancy in leg lengths. It involves making incisions in the leg, exposing the tibia, and either increasing the gap between the cut ends of the bone for lengthening or removing a block of bone for shortening. The bone is then fixed with plates and screws, and any bleeding is controlled before closing the incisions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27715 is: ‘Osteoplasty, tibia and fibula, lengthening or shortening.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the leg to expose the tibia.
3. For lengthening, a through and through incision is made in the tibia, and the gap between the cut ends of the bone is increased as required.
4. The bone is fixed with plates and screws.
5. The same procedure is repeated for the fibula.
6. For shortening, two through and through incisions are made in the tibia, and a block of bone is removed.
7. The bone is held with plates and screws.
8. Any bleeding is controlled, and the incisions are closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27715 is performed when there is a need to correct a discrepancy in leg lengths through the lengthening or shortening of the tibia and fibula. This procedure is typically carried out by a qualified healthcare professional and requires the use of plates and screws to fix the bones. It is important to note that this code should only be used when both the tibia and fibula are involved in the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 27715

CPT code 27715 should be used when a healthcare professional performs the osteoplasty procedure to lengthen or shorten both the tibia and fibula. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure does not involve both the tibia and fibula, a different code should be used to accurately represent the performed procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27715, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for osteoplasty
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific bones involved (tibia and fibula)
• Incision locations and lengths
• Method used for lengthening or shortening
• Fixation method (plates and screws)
• Control of bleeding
• Incision closure details

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27715, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare professional performing the procedure should be qualified and experienced in osteoplasty. Additionally, it is crucial to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation for reimbursement purposes. It is also important to review payer guidelines and policies to ensure compliance with billing requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27715 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It has undergone changes over the years, including being added and removed from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare. It is important to stay updated with any changes or updates to ensure accurate coding and billing.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a leg length discrepancy undergoes osteoplasty of the tibia and fibula to lengthen their shorter leg.
2. A healthcare professional performs osteoplasty of the tibia and fibula to shorten the longer leg of a patient with a leg length discrepancy.
3. A patient with a deformity in their tibia and fibula undergoes osteoplasty to correct the alignment and improve their leg function.
4. An individual with a previous fracture in their tibia and fibula undergoes osteoplasty to correct any malalignment and promote proper healing.
5. A patient with a congenital condition affecting the tibia and fibula undergoes osteoplasty to improve their leg function and appearance.
6. A healthcare professional performs osteoplasty of the tibia and fibula to correct a leg length discrepancy caused by a previous injury.
7. An individual with a leg length discrepancy due to a growth disorder undergoes osteoplasty of the tibia and fibula to achieve equal leg lengths.
8. A patient with a deformity in their tibia and fibula undergoes osteoplasty to correct the alignment and improve their leg function.
9. An individual with a previous fracture in their tibia and fibula undergoes osteoplasty to correct any malalignment and promote proper healing.
10. A patient with a congenital condition affecting the tibia and fibula undergoes osteoplasty to improve their leg function and appearance.