Summary & Overview
CPT 27325: Hamstring Neurectomy for Painful Muscle Spasms
CPT code 27325 represents a surgical neurectomy — full or partial excision of a nerve along the hamstring muscle — performed to relieve painful muscle spasms in the leg. As a targeted peripheral nerve procedure, it is relevant to orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and pain-management specialists. Nationally, use of procedures like this affects surgical case mix, hospital outpatient volumes, and specialty-specific utilization patterns.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context for CPT code 27325, typical sites of service, and common billing modifiers that may be applied. The publication also outlines benchmarks and policy-relevant considerations that influence coverage and reimbursement for peripheral nerve surgeries, plus coding and billing practice implications for surgical service lines.
This report is intended to inform coding professionals, revenue cycle teams, clinicians involved in surgical care of the lower extremity, and policy analysts seeking a concise reference on CPT code 27325 and its place in national practice patterns.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27325 describes a neurectomy, full or partial excision of a nerve along the hamstring muscle performed to relieve painful muscle spasms in the leg. This is a surgical procedure targeting nerve tissue associated with the hamstring muscle group.
Service type: Surgical — Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center, and in some cases an inpatient surgical setting depending on clinical need and perioperative considerations.
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient presents with chronic, refractory posterior thigh pain and recurrent hamstring muscle spasms after prior traumatic injury and persistent nerve entrapment. Conservative measures including physical therapy, oral analgesics, nerve blocks, and targeted botulinum toxin injections have failed to provide durable relief. The orthopedic or peripheral nerve surgeon evaluates the patient, documents localized tenderness along the proximal hamstring and corresponding sensory or motor findings consistent with a symptomatic terminal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve or a branch of the sciatic nerve. Preoperative workup includes focused history and physical, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to exclude mass lesions, and diagnostic peripheral nerve block confirming temporary pain relief.
In the operating room or ambulatory surgical center, the surgeon performs a neurectomy (partial or complete excision of the involved nerve) along the hamstring muscle to interrupt nociceptive signaling and relieve painful muscle spasms. The procedure typically uses regional or general anesthesia, sterile technique, and identification of the targeted nerve through anatomical landmarks and direct visualization; intraoperative nerve stimulation may be used to confirm target. Postoperative care includes short observation, analgesia, wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up to assess pain control and potential sensory deficits. Billing aligns with a surgical procedure code for neurectomy of a nerve in the hamstring region, reported for facility and professional components as appropriate.
Coding Specifications
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