27880 Amputation of lower leg
Also known as: leg amputation, below-knee amputation, BKA, ankle disarticulation
Amputation of the lower leg (ankle disarticulation or just above ankle). This procedure removes the foot and distal lower leg at or just proximal to the ankle level with appropriate soft tissue management and bone shaping.
In Plain Language
removing the foot and lower leg; lower leg amputation
Clinical Context
Performed for severe trauma, severe infection/osteomyelitis, peripheral vascular disease, or malignancy when limb salvage is not feasible. Preserves knee function which improves prosthetic rehabilitation outcomes.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 14.99 |
| Total RVU | 14.99 |
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 14.99, this code ranks in the 73rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27880?
CPT 27880 (Amputation of lower leg) is a Surgery code. Amputation of the lower leg (ankle disarticulation or just above ankle). This procedure removes the foot and distal lower leg at or just proximal to the ankle level with appropriate soft tissue management and bone shaping.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27880?
The work RVU for CPT 27880 is 14.99. This code is primarily used by orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, trauma surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27880 used?
Performed for severe trauma, severe infection/osteomyelitis, peripheral vascular disease, or malignancy when limb salvage is not feasible. Preserves knee function which improves prosthetic rehabilitation outcomes.
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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.