2025 CPT code 27640
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Excision Procedures on the Leg (Tibia and Fibula) and Ankle Joint Musculoskeletal System Feed
Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) of bone (e.g., osteomyelitis); tibia.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific situation.For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) could be used if other procedures were performed during the same session. Modifier 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician) might be used if this is a repeat procedure. Consult the CPT guidelines for a complete list of potentially applicable modifiers.
The medical necessity for this procedure is determined by the presence of a bone condition requiring partial excision (e.g., osteomyelitis, exostosis, or significant fracture damage) that is causing pain, infection, or functional impairment. Documentation supporting the diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention is crucial for reimbursement.
The surgeon performs the procedure after prepping and anesthetizing the patient.This involves creating an incision, dissecting through the soft tissues, retracting the layers to expose the bone, removing the diseased bone using instruments like a burr, cleaning the area, potentially using antibiotic beads, controlling bleeding, and closing the wound in layers.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Musculoskeletal System > Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System > Excision Procedures on the Leg (Tibia and Fibula) and Ankle Joint
In simple words: The doctor removes a diseased part of the shinbone (tibia) to treat an infection or abnormal bone growth. This might involve scooping out the diseased area, leaving a small depression, or removing a section of the bone.
This CPT code encompasses the partial surgical removal of a portion of the tibia bone.The procedure may involve craterization (creating a saucer-like depression), saucerization (similar to craterization), or diaphysectomy (removing the middle section of the bone).It's commonly performed to address conditions such as osteomyelitis (bone infection) or exostosis (benign bone growth). The procedure includes simple or intermediate closure.Complex closure, bone grafting, or other significant additions would require separate coding.
Example 1: A patient presents with osteomyelitis of the tibia. The surgeon performs a partial excision (craterization) to remove the infected bone, followed by thorough cleaning and wound closure., A patient has a large benign bone growth (exostosis) on their tibia causing pain and discomfort. The surgeon performs a diaphysectomy to remove the growth., A patient suffers a tibia fracture that requires removal of a small section of bone due to severe comminution (fragmentation).The surgeon utilizes this code for the partial excision.
* Preoperative diagnosis and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) showing the extent of bone involvement.* Operative report detailing the technique used (craterization, saucerization, diaphysectomy), amount of bone removed, and any additional procedures performed (bone grafting, complex closure).* Pathology report (if applicable) confirming the nature of the bone lesion.* Postoperative notes documenting the patient's recovery.
** This code should only be used when a partial excision of the tibia bone is performed.Complete removal of the tibia would require a different code. Always refer to the most current CPT manual for the most accurate and updated coding information.The use of a burr is not explicitly required for coding this procedure.
- Revenue Code: P5B (Ambulatory Procedures - Musculoskeletal)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Consult the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days : The global period information is not specified for this code in the provided data.Refer to the official CPT guidelines and payer-specific policies for details on the global surgical period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The applicability of a Technical Component (TC) modifier depends on the specific setting of service.It's necessary to review payer-specific guidelines for precise determination.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedule information is not available in the provided text. Consult the CMS website and payer-specific fee schedules for historical data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center