How To Use CPT Code 27860

CPT 27860 describes the manipulation of the ankle under general anesthesia, including the application of traction or other fixation apparatus. 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 27860?

CPT 27860 can be used to describe the manipulation of the ankle joint by a healthcare provider while the patient is under general anesthesia. This procedure is performed to restore mobility to a stiff ankle joint. The provider may also apply traction or other fixators to maintain the position of the ankle during the manipulation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27860 is: ‘Manipulation of ankle under general anesthesia (includes application of traction or other fixation apparatus).’ This code is used when the provider manipulates the ankle joint to break any adhesions and restore mobility, while the patient is under general anesthesia. The provider may also use traction or other fixators to maintain the reduction.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider manipulates the stiff ankle joint through a full range of motion, breaking any adhesions that may have formed.
3. Traction devices or other fixators may be applied by the provider to maintain the reduction of the ankle joint.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27860 is performed on patients with a stiff ankle joint that requires manipulation to restore mobility. Adhesions, which are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs, may be present and need to be broken during the procedure. The patient must be under general anesthesia, and the manipulation must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 27860

CPT code 27860 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the manipulation of the ankle joint under general anesthesia. This code is appropriate when the provider breaks adhesions and restores mobility to a stiff ankle joint. It is important to note that CPT code 27860 should not be reported if the manipulation is performed without general anesthesia or if the manipulation is performed on a different joint.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 27860, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for ankle manipulation
• Details of the manipulation procedure, including the use of traction or other fixators
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the manipulation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 27860, ensure that the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and includes the application of traction or other fixators. It is important to note that anesthesia plays a role in code selection, and conscious sedation is typically administered in an office setting rather than general anesthesia. CPT code 27860 should not be reported if the manipulation is performed without general anesthesia or if it is performed on a different joint.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27860 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 healthcare provider manipulates a patient’s ankle joint under general anesthesia to break adhesions and restore mobility.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider applies traction to a patient’s ankle joint to maintain the reduction while manipulating the joint.
3. A patient with a stiff ankle joint undergoes manipulation under general anesthesia, and the provider uses other fixators to maintain the position of the ankle.
4. Under general anesthesia, a healthcare provider manipulates a patient’s ankle joint to break adhesions and improve mobility.
5. During a surgical procedure, a provider applies traction and other fixators to a patient’s ankle joint to maintain the reduction while manipulating the joint.
6. A patient with a stiff ankle joint undergoes manipulation under general anesthesia, and the provider applies traction to maintain the position of the ankle.
7. A healthcare provider manipulates a patient’s ankle joint under general anesthesia, breaking adhesions and restoring mobility.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider applies other fixators to a patient’s ankle joint to maintain the reduction while manipulating the joint.
9. A patient with a stiff ankle joint undergoes manipulation under general anesthesia, and the provider uses traction and other fixators to maintain the position of the ankle.
10. Under general anesthesia, a healthcare provider manipulates a patient’s ankle joint to break adhesions and improve mobility, applying traction to maintain the reduction.