How To Use CPT Code 27810

CPT 27810 describes the closed treatment of a bimalleolar ankle fracture, specifically the lateral and medial malleoli, or the lateral and posterior malleoli, or the medial and posterior malleoli, with 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 27810?

CPT 27810 is used to describe the closed treatment of a bimalleolar ankle fracture. This means that the provider is fixing two of the broken malleoli of the ankle, which can be the lateral and medial malleoli, or the lateral and posterior malleoli, or the medial and posterior malleoli. The procedure involves manipulating the fractured bones to align them properly without making a surgical incision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27810 is: ‘Closed treatment of bimalleolar ankle fracture (eg, lateral and medial malleoli, or lateral and posterior malleoli or medial and posterior malleoli); with manipulation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by assessing the patient’s ankle fracture and determining the need for closed treatment with manipulation.
2. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized to ensure comfort during the procedure.
3. The provider performs an X-ray to examine the fracture and determine the extent of the injury.
4. Using their hands or instruments, the provider manipulates and reduces the fragments of the fractured malleoli. This involves manually adjusting the bones by pushing or pulling on the foot, ankle, and leg to bring them back to their normal alignment.
5. After the manipulation, the provider applies a cast, brace, or splint to immobilize the ankle and aid in the healing process.
6. Post-treatment X-rays may be taken to ensure that the bones are properly aligned.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27810 is used for the closed treatment of a bimalleolar ankle fracture that requires manipulation. This procedure is typically performed on unstable fractures, where the alignment of the fractured bones needs to be adjusted to promote proper healing. The lateral malleoli, medial malleoli, or posterior malleoli may be involved in the fracture.

5. When to use CPT code 27810

CPT code 27810 should be used when a provider performs closed treatment with manipulation for a bimalleolar ankle fracture. It is important to note that this code is specific to fractures involving the lateral and medial malleoli, or the lateral and posterior malleoli, or the medial and posterior malleoli. If the fracture involves different combinations of malleoli, a different CPT code may be more appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27810, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of the bimalleolar ankle fracture
• Details of the closed treatment procedure, including manipulation
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any post-treatment X-rays taken
• Any additional treatment or follow-up plans
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27810, ensure that the procedure involves the closed treatment of a bimalleolar ankle fracture with manipulation. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 27810 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2008, which expanded the description to include Potts fractures.

9. Examples

1. A patient sustains a bimalleolar ankle fracture involving the lateral and medial malleoli. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation to realign the fractured bones and applies a cast for immobilization.
2. Another patient presents with a bimalleolar ankle fracture involving the lateral and posterior malleoli. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation to align the fractured bones and applies a brace for support.
3. A third patient has a bimalleolar ankle fracture involving the medial and posterior malleoli. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation to adjust the alignment of the fractured bones and applies a splint for stabilization.
4. Yet another patient has a bimalleolar ankle fracture involving the lateral and medial malleoli, as well as ligamentous disruption. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation to realign the fractured bones and addresses the ligamentous disruption during the procedure.
5. A final patient presents with a bimalleolar ankle fracture involving the lateral and posterior malleoli, along with ligamentous disruption. The provider performs closed treatment with manipulation to align the fractured bones and addresses the ligamentous disruption without the need for surgical intervention.