Summary & Overview
CPT 27705: Tibial Segment Resection (Shin Bone)
CPT code 27705 represents an orthopedic surgical procedure involving removal of a segment of the tibia (shin bone). Nationally, this code captures care for patients requiring tibial bone resection for indications such as tumor excision, chronic osteomyelitis, nonunion with sequestrum, or preparatory debridement. Accurate coding of this invasive procedure affects case mix reporting, facility billing, and resource allocation for inpatient and outpatient surgical services.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers can expect an overview of clinical context for tibial segment resection, common sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. The publication outlines benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement patterns where available, highlights relevant policy considerations impacting prior authorization and inpatient vs outpatient settings, and summarizes coding nuances relevant to surgical documentation.
This summary is intended for a national audience of hospital administrators, orthopedic surgeons, and revenue cycle managers seeking concise guidance on the clinical meaning and payer context of CPT code 27705. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27705 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider removes a segment of the shin bone (tibia). This represents an open orthopedic bone resection of the tibia.
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Service type: Surgical procedure — orthopedic bone resection
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with symptomatic tibial bone pathology such as a localized benign bone tumor (e.g., osteochondroma), chronic osteomyelitis requiring debridement of a diseased segment, or nonunion of a tibial fracture requiring excision of a sclerotic segment. The procedure involves surgical resection of a segment of the tibia (shin bone) under general or regional anesthesia in an operating room. Preoperative workflow includes history and physical, imaging (radiographs, CT or MRI), informed consent, and perioperative antibiotics as indicated. Intraoperative steps include patient positioning, surgical approach to the tibia, identification and protection of neurovascular structures, resection of the diseased tibial segment, hemostasis, possible bone grafting or stabilization (internal fixation or external fixation) depending on defect size, and irrigation and closure. Postoperative care includes pain management, wound care, weight-bearing restrictions, imaging to document resection and fixation, and follow-up for rehabilitation and infection surveillance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the work required to excise the tibial segment is substantially greater than usual due to complexity or extensive dissection. |
23 |