How To Use CPT Code 27240

CPT 27240 describes the closed treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction. 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 27240?

CPT 27240 is used to describe the closed treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture. This procedure involves manipulating the fractured bone, with or without the use of skin or skeletal traction, to realign and stabilize the fracture.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27240 is: ‘Closed treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture; with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider adjusts the fractured bone by applying a pushing or pulling force to the upper end of the femur. This manipulation helps to realign the fractured fragments.
2. If necessary, the provider may use skin or skeletal traction, such as a tibial pin, to stabilize and reinforce the fracture fragments. Traction helps to maintain proper alignment of the bones and promote healing.
3. After the manipulation and possible traction, the provider immobilizes the fractured bone by placing the patient’s leg in a brace or splint. This external device helps to hold the broken bone in the correct position during the healing process.
4. An X-ray examination may be performed to confirm the reduction of the fracture and ensure proper alignment of the bones.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27240 is used for patients with intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fractures. These fractures occur between, around, or below the trochanters of the femur. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who manipulates the fractured bone with or without the use of skin or skeletal traction.

5. When to use CPT code 27240

CPT code 27240 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the closed treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture with manipulation. This code is appropriate when the provider adjusts the fractured bone and may or may not use skin or skeletal traction during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27240, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture
• Description of the manipulation technique used
• Documentation of any skin or skeletal traction applied, if applicable
• Date of the procedure
• Any X-ray examination performed to confirm reduction and alignment of the fracture
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27240, ensure that the procedure involves the closed treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture with manipulation. The use of skin or skeletal traction may or may not be included. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 27240 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 27240 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It underwent a code change on January 1, 2007, and has been subject to Medicare changes regarding its inclusion in the Inpatient Only (IPO) list.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment with manipulation of an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, using skin traction to stabilize the fracture.
2. During the procedure, a provider manipulates a peritrochanteric femoral fracture without the use of traction, followed by immobilization in a brace.
3. A patient with a subtrochanteric femoral fracture undergoes closed treatment with manipulation and skeletal traction for stabilization.
4. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment with manipulation of an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, without the use of traction, followed by immobilization in a splint.
5. During the procedure, a provider manipulates a peritrochanteric femoral fracture with the use of skeletal traction, followed by immobilization in a brace.
6. A patient with a subtrochanteric femoral fracture undergoes closed treatment with manipulation and skin traction for stabilization.
7. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment with manipulation of an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, using both skin and skeletal traction for stabilization.
8. During the procedure, a provider manipulates a peritrochanteric femoral fracture without the use of traction, followed by immobilization in a splint.
9. A patient with a subtrochanteric femoral fracture undergoes closed treatment with manipulation and skeletal traction for stabilization.
10. A healthcare provider performs closed treatment with manipulation of an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, without the use of traction, followed by immobilization in a brace.