27620 Explore/treat ankle joint
Also known as: ankle arthrotomy, ankle joint treatment
Surgical exploration and treatment of pathology within the ankle joint, including debridement, loose body removal, or synovial treatment.
In Plain Language
surgical treatment of ankle joint
Clinical Context
Performed for intra-articular loose bodies, osteoarthritis, synovitis, or traumatic injury. Less extensive than formal arthroscopy but allows therapeutic intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.00 |
| Total RVU | 6.00 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 6.00, this code ranks in the 40th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27620?
CPT 27620 (Explore/treat ankle joint) is a Surgery code. Surgical exploration and treatment of pathology within the ankle joint, including debridement, loose body removal, or synovial treatment.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27620?
The work RVU for CPT 27620 is 6.00. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatric Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27620 used?
Performed for intra-articular loose bodies, osteoarthritis, synovitis, or traumatic injury. Less extensive than formal arthroscopy but allows therapeutic intervention.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.