How To Use CPT Code 27762

CPT 27762 describes the closed treatment of a fracture of the medial malleolus, specifically involving manipulation and the use of skin or skeletal traction if necessary. 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 27762?

CPT 27762 is used to describe the closed treatment of a fracture of the medial malleolus, which is the inner surface of the ankle joint or the lower medial portion of the tibia. This procedure involves manipulating the fractured segments to realign them into the correct anatomical position. The provider may also apply skin or skeletal traction to separate and realign the fragments if necessary. The purpose of this treatment is to keep the fracture in alignment, prevent displacement, and relieve pain during the healing process.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27762 is: ‘Closed treatment of medial malleolus fracture; with manipulation, with or without skin or skeletal traction.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure.
2. Using their hands or instruments, the provider manipulates the fractured segments of the medial malleolus to realign them into the correct anatomical position.
3. If necessary, the provider applies skin or skeletal traction to separate and realign the fragments.
4. After manipulation and/or traction, the provider applies a splint to immobilize the injured joint.
5. Post-treatment X-rays may be taken to ensure that the alignment is correct.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27762 is performed on patients with a fracture of the medial malleolus, typically a nondisplaced or hairline fracture. The procedure is done to keep the fracture in alignment, prevent displacement, and relieve pain. The use of skin or skeletal traction may be necessary to stabilize and reinforce the fracture fragments. The provider must clinically assess and document the neurologic and vascular status of the patient, as well as the extent of the fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 27762

CPT code 27762 should be used when a provider performs closed treatment of a fracture of the medial malleolus with manipulation and, if necessary, with the use of skin or skeletal traction. This code should not be used if the procedure does not involve manipulation. Imaging, if used, should be reported separately.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27762, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a fracture of the medial malleolus
• Details of the manipulation and/or traction performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Use of any splints or immobilization devices
• Post-treatment X-rays, if taken

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27762, ensure that the procedure involves manipulation and, if necessary, the use of skin or skeletal traction. Report any additional services or supplies separately. It is important to note that CPT code 27762 should not be reported with other codes for the same procedure without manipulation. Global reporting includes the initial cast or splint application and all professional services for a 90-day period. Further reassessment should not be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT code 27762 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 provider performs closed treatment of a nondisplaced fracture of the medial malleolus, manipulating the fragments into the correct anatomical position and applying a splint for immobilization.
2. Using skin traction, a provider realigns the fractured segments of the medial malleolus and applies a splint to a patient with a hairline fracture.
3. A provider performs closed treatment of a fracture of the medial malleolus, manipulating the fragments and applying skeletal traction to ensure proper alignment.
4. After manipulating the fractured segments of the medial malleolus, a provider applies a splint to immobilize the joint and relieve pain in a patient.
5. Using both manipulation and skin traction, a provider treats a fracture of the medial malleolus and applies a splint for immobilization.
6. A provider performs closed treatment of a hairline fracture of the medial malleolus, manipulating the fragments and applying a splint for immobilization.
7. Using skeletal traction, a provider realigns the fractured segments of the medial malleolus and applies a splint to a patient with a nondisplaced fracture.
8. A provider performs closed treatment of a fracture of the medial malleolus, manipulating the fragments and applying skin traction to ensure proper alignment.
9. After manipulating the fractured segments of the medial malleolus, a provider applies a splint to immobilize the joint and relieve pain in a patient.
10. Using both manipulation and skeletal traction, a provider treats a fracture of the medial malleolus and applies a splint for immobilization.