Summary & Overview
CPT 27175: Slipped Femoral Epiphysis, Traction Without Reduction
CPT code 27175 represents an operative orthopedic procedure for slipped femoral epiphysis in which the provider uses traction but does not perform a formal reduction of the femoral epiphysis. This pediatric hip procedure is clinically significant because timely surgical management influences long-term hip stability, growth plate integrity, and functional outcomes. Nationally, management patterns for slipped femoral epiphysis affect surgical utilization, perioperative resource needs, and pediatric orthopedic care pathways.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the service type associated with CPT code 27175. The publication also provides benchmarking and policy-relevant information where available, including national utilization patterns, reimbursement benchmarks, payer coverage considerations, and any recent coding or policy updates that affect claims processing for this procedure. Clinical implications related to timing of intervention and expected surgical setting are summarized to inform coding accuracy and administrative workflows.
Data not available in the input for specific associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and detailed payer-specific reimbursement rates; those elements are addressed where available in accompanying sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27175 describes a surgical procedure to treat slipped femoral epiphysis (a fracture through the growth plate at the end of the femur), using traction without formal reduction to manage the displaced epiphysis. The procedure addresses a pediatric orthopedic injury that affects the stability and growth of the hip.
Service Type: Operative orthopedic procedure for slipped femoral epiphysis (traction-based management)
Typical Site of Service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center, with perioperative care in a surgical setting for a pediatric population.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 12-year-old patient presents to the pediatric orthopedic service with an acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) of the proximal femur after progressive hip pain and altered gait. Physical exam demonstrates limited internal rotation and external rotation with pain. Hip radiographs confirm a posterior and inferior displacement of the femoral epiphysis relative to the metaphysis. The orthopedist plans operative management using in-situ stabilization with traction but without formal closed or open reduction — aligning with the described procedure code 27175. The typical workflow includes preoperative evaluation by anesthesia, informed consent, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, intraoperative positioning and traction, percutaneous screw fixation (often single cannulated screw) to stabilize the slipped epiphysis without manipulative realignment, intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging, postoperative recovery with weight-bearing restrictions, and outpatient follow-up for wound check and radiographic monitoring.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required is substantially greater than typical for 27175 (document rationale). |