CPT 27305: Open Tenotomy of the Iliotibial Band - OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

CPT 27305: Open Tenotomy of the Iliotibial Band

CPT code 27305 represents an open tenotomy of the iliotibial band, a targeted surgical intervention to release a tight or pathological iliotibial band along the lateral hip and thigh. This procedure is relevant nationwide as a definitive surgical option for patients with recalcitrant iliotibial band syndrome or related lateral hip pain that has not responded to conservative care. The code captures operative work performed in an operating room or ambulatory surgery center and informs payment, utilization monitoring, and outcome measurement.

Key payers commonly involved in coverage and reimbursement discussions include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, the typical service setting, and the implications of coding this surgical procedure. The publication provides benchmarks where available, notes common billing modifiers provided in the input, and outlines the clinical and administrative context relevant to payers and providers. Data not available in the input is clearly identified where applicable.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare27305CPTiliotibial-bandtenotomyorthopedic-surgeryambulatory-surgeryoperative-procedure

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 27305 describes an open tenotomy of the iliotibial band, a surgical procedure that involves division or cutting of the iliotibial band along the outside of the hip and thigh. The procedure is performed to release tension or address pathologic tightness of the iliotibial band when conservative measures are ineffective.

Service type: Surgical procedure (open tenotomy of the iliotibial band)
Typical site of service: Operative setting such as an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 35-year-old recreational runner presents with lateral hip and lateral knee pain refractory to activity modification, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection. Physical exam demonstrates point tenderness over the greater trochanter and an iliotibial band (ITB) tightness with friction over the lateral femoral epicondyle. Imaging excludes fracture and significant intra-articular pathology. The orthopedic surgeon recommends an open iliotibial band tenotomy (CPT 27305) to release the tight iliotibial band that contributes to iliotibial band syndrome and persistent trochanteric pain. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room under regional or general anesthesia. Workflow includes preoperative evaluation and informed consent, operative release of the ITB via a small lateral thigh incision, hemostasis, closure, and postoperative recovery with a short observation period before discharge with pain control and physical therapy instructions for progressive stretching and strengthening.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when work, time, and effort substantially exceed typical for `CPT 27305` (document rationale).

CPT 27307: Percutaneous Tenotomy of Adductors/Hamstrings

cpt-27303-incision-of-bone-cortex-upper-leg-knee

CPT 27303: Incision of Bone Cortex, Upper Leg/Knee

cpt-27301-deep-thigh-knee-abscess-drainage

CPT 27301: Incision and Drainage of Deep Thigh or Knee Abscess

cpt-27310-knee-arthrotomy-exploration-and-drainage

CPT 27310: Knee Arthrotomy for Exploration and Drainage

cpt-27306-percutaneous-tenotomy-adductor-hamstring

CPT 27306: Percutaneous Tenotomy of Adductor or Hamstring

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgeons commonly perform ITB tenotomy.
208000000X	Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation	PM&R may be involved in pre/postoperative nonoperative care and injections.
207P00000X	Sports Medicine (Orthopaedic)	Sports medicine specialists perform this procedure for athletes.
208600000X	Physical Therapist (not a physician taxonomy but relevant)	Provides postoperative rehabilitation guidance.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M76.81`	Iliotibial band syndrome, right leg	Common indication for `CPT 27305` when conservative measures fail.
`M76.82`	Iliotibial band syndrome, left leg	Common indication when the left leg is affected.
`M70.61`	Trochanteric bursitis, right hip	Trochanteric bursitis often coexists with ITB pathology and may prompt surgical release.
`M70.62`	Trochanteric bursitis, left hip	Same clinical relevance for the left hip.
`M25.561`	Pain in right knee	Lateral knee pain from ITB friction syndrome may lead to tenotomy when chronic.
`M25.562`	Pain in left knee	Same clinical relevance for the left knee.
`M62.81`	Muscle weakness (generalized)	May be listed when contributing muscle imbalance is documented as part of the clinical picture.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`27096`	Excision or curettage of lesion of bone, deep; femur	May be performed if bursal or bone lesion is encountered and requires debridement during the same operative session.
`29827`	Endoscopic iliotibial band release, surgical	Minimally invasive alternative to open tenotomy; represents a procedural alternative in the same clinical pathway.
`20610`	Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (e.g., trochanteric bursa)	Frequently performed preoperatively for diagnostic or therapeutic injection of trochanteric bursa contributing to lateral hip pain.
`99213`	Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient	Typical preoperative and postoperative outpatient visit code used in the perioperative management of patients undergoing `CPT 27305`.
`63030`	Laminectomy with decompression — not directly related (example for constraints)	Not clinically related to `CPT 27305` but included when broader musculoskeletal procedures are performed; use only when applicable.

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