How To Use CPT Code 27503

CPT 27503 describes the closed treatment of a specific type of femoral fracture using manipulation and 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 27503?

CPT 27503 is used to describe the closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture with or without intercondylar extension. The procedure involves manipulating the broken bone and setting it for healing. Traction may be used to achieve stability and correct alignment of the bones.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27503 is: ‘Closed treatment of supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture with or without intercondylar extension, with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by confirming the exact site of the fracture in the supracondylar region using radiographic images.
2. Manipulation of the fracture site is performed using either skeletal traction or skin traction.
3. In skeletal traction, a pin is placed closer to the head of the tibia, while in skin traction, straps are placed around the thigh up to the foot.
4. Weight is applied gradually and then reduced.
5. After removing the traction, a cast is applied to stabilize the fracture.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27503 is used for patients with a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture with or without intercondylar extension. The procedure must involve manipulation and may include the use of skin or skeletal traction. The provider must confirm the need for closed treatment and determine the appropriate approach based on the specific fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 27503

CPT code 27503 should be used when a provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar or transcondylar femoral fracture with or without intercondylar extension. The procedure involves manipulation and may include the use of skin or skeletal traction. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27503, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the exact site of the fracture in the supracondylar region
• Details of the manipulation technique used
• Whether skin or skeletal traction was employed
• Gradual application and reduction of weight in traction
• Application of a cast to stabilize the fracture

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27503, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The use of manipulation and traction should be documented. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer regarding the reporting of this code. Consider any applicable modifiers or bundled services that may impact billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 27503 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar femoral fracture with manipulation and skin traction.
2. A patient undergoes closed treatment of a transcondylar femoral fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction.
3. A provider treats a supracondylar femoral fracture with intercondylar extension using closed manipulation and skin traction.
4. A patient receives closed treatment for a transcondylar femoral fracture with intercondylar extension, with manipulation and skeletal traction.
5. A provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar femoral fracture with manipulation and skin traction, followed by the application of a cast.
6. A patient undergoes closed treatment of a transcondylar femoral fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction, followed by the application of a cast.
7. A provider treats a supracondylar femoral fracture with intercondylar extension using closed manipulation and skin traction, followed by the application of a cast.
8. A patient receives closed treatment for a transcondylar femoral fracture with intercondylar extension, with manipulation and skeletal traction, followed by the application of a cast.
9. A provider performs closed treatment of a supracondylar femoral fracture with manipulation and skin traction, followed by the application of a cast and subsequent follow-up care.
10. A patient undergoes closed treatment of a transcondylar femoral fracture with manipulation and skeletal traction, followed by the application of a cast and subsequent follow-up care.