AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — Question 67

A 45-year-old has a dislocated patella in the left knee after a car accident. She taken to the hospital by EMS for surgical treatment. In the surgery suite, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. After being prepped and draped, the surgeon makes an incision above the knee joint in front of the patella. Dissection is carried through soft tissue and reaching the patella in attempt to reduce the dislocation. When the patella is exposed, it is severely damaged due to cartilage breakdown. The tendon is dissected and using a saw the entire patella is freed and removed. The tendon sheath is closed with sutures.
What procedure code is reported for this surgery?

Answer options

• A. 27562-LT
• B. 27552-LT
• C. 27556-LT
• D. 27566-LT

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct code is D, 27566-LT, which corresponds to the complete removal of the patella. Option A (27562-LT) refers to a different type of procedure involving the patella, while B (27552-LT) and C (27556-LT) describe procedures that do not align with the total patellectomy performed in this case. The removal of the entire patella is specifically captured by 27566-LT.