2025 CPT code 27640

Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, or diaphysectomy) of bone (e.g., osteomyelitis); tibia.

Follow the official CPT guidelines for surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system.Appropriate modifiers should be added as needed to reflect the specific circumstances of the procedure.

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.

IMPORTANT For exostosis excision, use 27635. For the same service involving the fibula, use 27641.If a bone graft is harvested, this should be reported separately using codes 20900-20902.Complex closure may require codes 13120-13122 or 14020-14021.

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.

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