Summary & Overview
CPT 27326: Popliteal/Gastrocnemius Nerve Excision to Relieve Spasm
CPT code 27326 denotes excision of part of a nerve in the popliteal or gastrocnemius muscle to relieve muscle spasms. Nationally, this code identifies a focused surgical intervention used in management of focal spasticity or refractory muscle hyperactivity of the posterior lower leg. It is relevant to surgical practices, neurology and physiatry services, and facilities that provide operative management of peripheral nerve–related spasm.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of how the code is categorized clinically, typical sites of service, and the procedural intent. The publication also outlines common billing considerations and benchmarking context where available.
This content is designed for national audiences seeking a clear clinical and billing reference for CPT code 27326, providing the clinical context, payer coverage landscape, and the types of benchmarks and policy information typically reviewed when evaluating utilization and reimbursement for this procedure. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27326 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider excises part of a nerve from the popliteal or gastrocnemius muscle to relieve muscle spasms. This is a targeted neuromuscular intervention intended to reduce spasticity or focal muscle hyperactivity in the posterior lower leg.
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Service type: Surgical neuromuscular procedure
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Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center where soft-tissue and peripheral nerve procedures are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient with chronic, focal gastrocnemius muscle spasm refractory to conservative measures presents for surgical management. The patient reports persistent calf pain and involuntary muscle contractions worsening daily despite physical therapy, oral muscle relaxants, and botulinum toxin injections. Preoperative evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist includes focused lower-extremity neurovascular exam, review of prior electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies demonstrating focal motor nerve hyperactivity, and imaging to rule out compressive pathology. In the operating room under regional or general anesthesia, the surgeon performs a partial excision or resection of a branch of the tibial nerve supplying the gastrocnemius/popliteal region to relieve spasm. Postoperative workflow includes immediate neurovascular checks, pain control, physical therapy planning, and documentation of laterality and any intraoperative events for coding and billing. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. Service type is surgical – peripheral nerve procedure of the popliteal/gastrocnemius region.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier (default) | Use when no specific modifier applies and the procedure is billed as reported. |