How To Use CPT Code 27220

CPT 27220 describes the closed treatment of a fracture of the acetabulum, or hip socket, without manipulation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27220?

CPT 27220 can be used to describe the closed treatment of a fracture of the acetabulum, or hip socket, without manipulation. This code is used when the provider stabilizes the fracture and advises the patient on ways to manage the pain. Treatment may include the application of a skin traction technique or the use of a brace or splint to hold the broken bone in the correct position.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27220 is: ‘Closed treatment of acetabulum (hip socket) fracture(s); without manipulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider stabilizes the fracture of the acetabulum without making a surgical incision or manipulating the fractured bones.
2. If necessary, the provider may apply a skin traction technique, such as Buck’s traction, to bring together the fractured bone using light weights and counterweights.
3. The provider may also place the patient’s leg in a brace or splint for a period of four to six weeks to aid in the healing process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27220 is used for the closed treatment of a fracture of the acetabulum without manipulation. This procedure is performed when the fracture is nondisplaced and stable. The patient may require the use of a skin traction technique or a brace/splint to aid in the healing process. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

5. When to use CPT code 27220

CPT code 27220 should be used when the provider performs the closed treatment of a fracture of the acetabulum without manipulation. This code should not be used if manipulation of the fractured bones is performed. It is important to accurately document the procedure performed to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27220, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a fracture of the acetabulum
• Description of the closed treatment procedure performed
• Details of any skin traction technique or brace/splint used
• Duration of treatment, including the period of immobilization
• Instructions provided to the patient for managing pain and promoting healing
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27220, ensure that the procedure performed is the closed treatment of a fracture of the acetabulum without manipulation. This code should not be reported if manipulation of the fractured bones is performed. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate coding and billing. Consider reporting any additional services or procedures performed during the same encounter, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 27220 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a nondisplaced fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment by applying Buck’s traction to bring together the fractured bone. The patient is instructed to avoid weight-bearing activities and is placed in a brace for six weeks to aid in the healing process.
2. A patient sustains a stable fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and advises the patient to use crutches for mobility. The patient is provided with instructions on pain management and is scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress.
3. A patient is diagnosed with a fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment by applying a skin traction technique to align the fractured bone. The patient is educated on the importance of immobilization and is provided with a brace to wear for four weeks.
4. A patient presents with a stable fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and advises the patient to avoid weight-bearing activities. The patient is instructed on pain management techniques and is scheduled for regular check-ups to assess the healing process.
5. A patient sustains a nondisplaced fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment by applying a skin traction technique to bring together the fractured bone. The patient is placed in a brace and is provided with instructions on how to manage pain and promote healing.
6. A patient is diagnosed with a stable fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and advises the patient to use crutches for mobility. The patient is educated on the importance of immobilization and is scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress.
7. A patient presents with a fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment by applying Buck’s traction to align the fractured bone. The patient is instructed to avoid weight-bearing activities and is provided with a brace to wear for six weeks.
8. A patient sustains a stable fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment without manipulation and advises the patient to avoid weight-bearing activities. The patient is educated on pain management techniques and is scheduled for regular check-ups to assess the healing process.
9. A patient is diagnosed with a nondisplaced fracture of the acetabulum. The provider performs closed treatment by applying a skin traction technique to bring together the fractured bone. The patient is placed in a brace and is provided with instructions on how to manage pain and promote healing.