Summary & Overview
CPT 27327: Excision of Subcutaneous Tumor, Thigh/Knee (<3 cm)
Headline: CPT code 27327 Defines Excision of Small Subcutaneous Tumors of the Thigh or Knee
Lead: CPT code 27327 denotes the surgical removal of subcutaneous tumors smaller than three centimeters from the thigh or knee. The code captures a common minor soft-tissue oncology and general surgical procedure that is performed in ambulatory surgical centers and hospital outpatient settings.
CPT code 27327 represents a focused operative procedure to excise a small, localized subcutaneous mass in the proximal lower extremity. Nationally, accurate coding for this procedure matters for appropriate clinical documentation, quality measurement, and payment for surgical services addressing benign and malignant soft-tissue lesions.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, expected site of service, and common billing themes for this code. The publication summarizes typical use cases, related clinical considerations for lesion size and location, and what to expect in terms of where the service is delivered.
What readers will learn: benchmarks and utilization patterns where available, how payers generally classify the service in payor fee schedules, common billing modifiers used in practice (listed separately), and policy considerations that affect coverage and billing for minor excisions in the thigh and knee. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27327 describes the surgical excision of a subcutaneous tumor less than three centimeters in size located in the thigh or knee. This procedure involves removal of a localized soft-tissue mass from the subcutaneous tissues of the proximal lower extremity.
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Service type: Surgical excision of subcutaneous tumor
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient/operating room, performed on the thigh or knee region
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 48-year-old patient presents to an outpatient surgical clinic with a painless, slowly enlarging subcutaneous nodule located on the anterior thigh that measures approximately 2.2 cm on clinical exam and ultrasound. The provider discusses options and schedules an excision under local anesthesia in an ambulatory surgery center. Preoperative assessment confirms medical clearance, informed consent, and marking of the lesion. The procedure includes local infiltration, a fusiform incision, blunt and sharp dissection to the subcutaneous plane, removal of the lesion intact, hemostasis, layered closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin, and placement of a small dressing. The specimen is sent for pathology. Postoperative instructions cover wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up for suture removal and pathology review.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
50 | Bilateral Procedure | When an identical excision is performed on both thighs or both knees during the same operative session |
51 | Multiple Procedures | When this excision is performed in conjunction with other distinct surgical procedures at the same session |