2025 CPT code 27691

Transfer or transplant of a single deep tendon in the foot, with muscle redirection or rerouting.

Follow the official CPT coding guidelines for musculoskeletal system procedures. Pay close attention to the definition of "deep" tendons as specified in the code description.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure (e.g., modifier 51 for multiple procedures, modifier 62 for two surgeons, modifier 76 for a repeat procedure). Consult the official CPT guidelines and payer-specific instructions.

The medical necessity for this procedure is established when conservative treatment options have failed and the patient experiences significant functional limitations due to tendon dysfunction. Documentation must support the diagnosis, failed conservative management, and the expected improvement in function post-surgery.

The clinical responsibility involves a surgeon's expertise in foot and ankle surgery. They should be skilled in tendon repair and transfer techniques, including precise surgical dissection, tendon harvesting and preparation, bone drilling, tendon routing, and wound closure. Post-operative care instructions and follow-up are also part of the clinical responsibility.

IMPORTANT Code 27692 is used for each additional tendon transferred or transplanted in the same surgical session.This code should be reported separately in addition to code 27691.

In simple words: This code describes a foot surgery where a surgeon moves or replaces a deep tendon to improve function. This is done when a tendon is damaged, diseased, or paralyzed.

This CPT code encompasses the surgical procedure involving the transfer or transplant of a single deep tendon in the foot, which includes muscle redirection or rerouting.The procedure aims to restore function lost due to a diseased, paralyzed, or injured tendon. Examples of deep tendons include the anterior tibial, posterior tibial (through the interosseous space), flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, or peroneal tendon, with transfer to the midfoot or hindfoot. The procedure may involve making incisions, exposing and excising diseased tendon portions, harvesting a healthy tendon, creating bone drill holes, rerouting the harvested tendon, suturing it in place, controlling bleeding, and closing wounds. Post-operative care might include immobilization with a cast.

Example 1: A patient presents with a chronic Achilles tendon rupture, failing conservative management.The surgeon performs a transfer of the peroneus brevis tendon to replace the function of the ruptured Achilles tendon., A patient with a drop foot due to peroneal nerve palsy undergoes a surgical procedure where the tibialis posterior tendon is transferred to the dorsum of the foot to improve dorsiflexion., A patient with a severe deformity of the foot due to a previous injury requires a complex reconstruction. The surgeon uses this code in conjunction with other codes to describe the transfer of multiple tendons, requiring detailed documentation of each tendon transferred (using 27692 for additional tendons).

** Accurate coding requires careful consideration of whether the tendon transferred is classified as "deep" or "superficial".The description clearly defines the criteria for a "deep" tendon transfer. This code does not include the removal of any implants, which would be reported separately.

  • RVU: The RVUs for this code vary depending on the geographic location and the payer.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for the specific RVU values.
  • Global Days : The global surgical period for this procedure is typically not specified in the CPT code itself and depends on payer-specific guidelines.It often includes immediate post-operative care, but any additional services rendered outside this period should be billed separately.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code as it represents the entire procedure.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not available in this dataset. Consult the payer's historical fee schedules for relevant information.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatric Surgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital
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