2025 CPT code 27600
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Musculoskeletal System Feed
Decompression fasciotomy of the leg's anterior and/or lateral compartments.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the case (e.g., modifier 51 for multiple procedures, modifier 76 for repeat procedure, laterality modifiers).
Medical necessity for a 27600 decompression fasciotomy is established by the presence of clinical findings suggestive of compartment syndrome.This condition poses a risk of muscle ischemia and permanent damage.Surgical decompression is required to prevent these adverse outcomes.
The orthopedic surgeon or a qualified healthcare professional performs the fasciotomy. This includes making incisions, releasing the fascia, and ensuring adequate decompression of the affected compartment(s). Post-operative care and follow-up may be the responsibility of the surgeon or other healthcare professionals.
In simple words: This surgery relieves pressure in the leg by cutting the fascia (a tough layer of tissue) in the front and/or side of the lower leg. This helps improve blood flow and reduces pain, often used to treat compartment syndrome.
This procedure involves a surgical incision to release the fascia in the anterior and/or lateral compartments of the leg.The fascia is excised to relieve pressure and improve blood flow, often addressing compartment syndrome.The specific approach (single or double incision) and extent of fasciotomy may vary depending on clinical presentation.
Example 1: A patient presents with acute compartment syndrome in the anterior compartment of the leg following a tibia fracture.A 27600 decompression fasciotomy is performed to relieve pressure and prevent muscle damage., A patient experiences chronic exertional compartment syndrome in the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg.A 27600 decompression fasciotomy is undertaken to alleviate pain and improve athletic performance., A patient suffers from a crush injury resulting in compartment syndrome affecting both the anterior and lateral compartments. Surgical decompression via 27600 is necessary to restore blood flow and prevent permanent damage.
** The choice between 27600, 27601, and 27602 depends on which compartments of the leg are decompressed.Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate code selection and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.Consult current RVU databases for accurate values.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided text.Consult CPT guidelines for details on the global surgical period for this procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.27600 is a complete procedure code, not typically broken into components.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text.Consult historical fee schedules and databases for relevant data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center