How To Use CPT Code 27502

CPT 27502 describes the closed treatment of a femoral shaft 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 27502?

CPT 27502 is used to describe the closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs a procedure to repair a broken bone in the femoral shaft and set it for healing. The goal of this procedure is to achieve stability and correct alignment of the bones.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27502 is: ‘Closed treatment of femoral shaft fracture, with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider begins the procedure by using radiographic images to confirm the exact site of the fracture in the femoral shaft.
2. Next, the provider manipulates the fracture site using either skeletal traction or skin traction. For skeletal traction, a pin is placed closer to the head of the tibia. For skin traction, straps are applied around the thigh up to the foot.
3. In both types of traction, weight is applied, which is gradually reduced over time.
4. After removing the traction, the provider applies a plaster cast to maintain the joint in normal alignment.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27502 is performed on patients with a femoral shaft fracture that requires closed treatment with manipulation. The procedure may involve the use of skin or skeletal traction, depending on the specific circumstances of the fracture. The healthcare provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 27502

CPT code 27502 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction. This code is appropriate when the provider is repairing a broken bone in the femoral shaft and setting it for healing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27502, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a femoral shaft fracture
• Details of the closed treatment procedure performed, including the use of manipulation and any skin or skeletal traction
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27502, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and documentation requirements for accurate billing. Additionally, be aware of any specific coding guidelines or modifiers that may apply to this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 27502 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skin traction for a patient involved in a car accident.
2. A surgeon performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction for a patient who fell from a height.
3. A orthopedic specialist performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and without traction for a patient who sustained a sports-related injury.
4. A trauma surgeon performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skin traction for a patient involved in a workplace accident.
5. An emergency room physician performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction for a patient who was injured in a motorcycle accident.
6. An orthopedic surgeon performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and without traction for a patient who slipped and fell on ice.
7. A pediatric orthopedic specialist performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skin traction for a child who fell from a tree.
8. A trauma surgeon performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction for a patient involved in a skiing accident.
9. An orthopedic specialist performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and without traction for a patient who sustained a fall while hiking.
10. A surgeon performs a closed treatment of a femoral shaft fracture with manipulation and skin traction for a patient involved in a bicycle accident.