27888 Amputation of foot at ankle
Also known as: Symes amputation, ankle disarticulation, foot amputation at ankle, Symes procedure
Amputation of the foot at the ankle level (Symes amputation). This procedure removes the entire foot while preserving tibial and fibular length for prosthetic fitting at ankle disarticulation.
In Plain Language
removing the foot at the ankle; foot amputation
Clinical Context
Performed for severe foot trauma, necrotizing infection, or peripheral vascular disease limited to the foot. Preserves tibial length for improved prosthetic fitting compared to transtibial amputation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.11 |
| Total RVU | 10.11 |
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 10.11, this code ranks in the 59th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27888?
CPT 27888 (Amputation of foot at ankle) is a Surgery code. Amputation of the foot at the ankle level (Symes amputation). This procedure removes the entire foot while preserving tibial and fibular length for prosthetic fitting at ankle disarticulation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27888?
The work RVU for CPT 27888 is 10.11. This code is primarily used by orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, trauma surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27888 used?
Performed for severe foot trauma, necrotizing infection, or peripheral vascular disease limited to the foot. Preserves tibial length for improved prosthetic fitting compared to transtibial amputation.
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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.