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The procedure described by CPT® Code 27330 refers to an arthrotomy of the knee, specifically performed with a synovial biopsy only. An arthrotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision into a joint, in this case, the knee joint. The process begins with a skin incision made over the knee, followed by careful dissection of the surrounding tissues to expose the joint capsule. Once the joint capsule is accessed, it is opened to allow for direct examination of the knee joint. During this examination, the joint is flushed with saline solution to clear any debris that may be present, ensuring a clear view of the joint's interior. The primary focus of this procedure is to perform a synovial biopsy. The synovial tissue, which lines the knee joint, plays a crucial role in producing synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. This tissue can become inflamed due to various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis or synovial proliferative disorders. By obtaining samples of the synovial tissue, healthcare providers can conduct laboratory analyses to diagnose underlying issues affecting the knee joint. It is important to note that this procedure is distinct from other related procedures, such as CPT® Code 27331, which involves a more extensive exploration of the joint, including the removal of loose or foreign bodies and additional tissue sampling. The synovial biopsy performed under CPT® Code 27330 is specifically focused on obtaining tissue samples for diagnostic purposes without the additional interventions associated with joint exploration.
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The indications for performing an arthrotomy of the knee with a synovial biopsy, as described by CPT® Code 27330, typically include the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 27330 involves several key steps that ensure a thorough and effective synovial biopsy:
Post-procedure care following an arthrotomy with synovial biopsy includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Patients are typically advised to rest the knee and may be prescribed pain management strategies to alleviate discomfort. Follow-up appointments are essential to review the results of the laboratory analysis of the synovial tissue and to assess the healing process. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore function and strength to the knee joint, depending on the findings and the patient's overall condition.
| Short Descr | BIOPSY KNEE JOINT LINING | Medium Descr | ARTHROTOMY KNEE W/SYNOVIAL BIOPSY ONLY | Long Descr | Arthrotomy, knee; with synovial biopsy only | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 159 - Other diagnostic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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