CPT code 27880: Leg amputation, through tibia and fibula2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in California

CMS doesn’t publish an office rate for 27880 in California.

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

What 27880 covers

This code represents a below-knee amputation through the tibia and fibula, leaving a residual limb below the knee. Orthopedic or vascular surgeons commonly perform it in a hospital or other surgical facility when severe peripheral arterial disease, infection, or traumatic injury makes the lower leg unsalvageable. The surgeon determines the transection level based on viable tissue and the clinical plan for the residual limb. Use the appropriate sibling code when the documented procedure meets that code’s distinct operative criteria, such as immediate fitting technique.

The operative report should identify the amputation level, laterality, indication, and technique. This major surgery includes the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures occur in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to a 50% reduction. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery services may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

Where 27880 pays more and less in California

The same RVUs, adjusted for each area’s costs. Open a locality for its calculation, history and nearby areas.

29 of 29 payment localities

How the 27880 rate is calculated

Each of 27880’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

Payment rules and modifiers for 27880

27880 has a 90-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 50

27880 compared with similar codes

How to choose

27881Below-knee amputationImmediate prosthetic fitting

Choose 27881 when the operative service includes its specified immediate fitting technique and first cast; 27880 reports the transtibial amputation without that distinguishing technique.

27888Foot amputationAt ankle level

27888 describes an amputation at the ankle. Use 27880 when the tibia and fibula are transected for a below-knee amputation.

27889Ankle amputationThrough the ankle joint

27889 is for ankle disarticulation. 27880 applies when the operative level passes through the tibia and fibula.

Codes related to 27880

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates