How To Use CPT Code 27848

CPT 27848 describes the open treatment of ankle dislocation, with or without percutaneous skeletal fixation, including repair or internal or external fixation. 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 27848?

CPT 27848 can be used to describe the open treatment of ankle dislocation, with or without percutaneous skeletal fixation, including repair or internal or external fixation. This code is used when a provider surgically opens the site of dislocation, reduces the joint back together in correct anatomical position, repairs any damaged tissues, and applies hardware as necessary.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27848 is: ‘Open treatment of ankle dislocation, with or without percutaneous skeletal fixation; with repair or internal or external fixation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes a longitudinal incision and dissects the surrounding muscles to access the ankle joint.
2. Using bone reduction clamps, the provider reduces the joint back together in correct anatomical position.
3. The provider may internally fix the joint using K wires or externally fix it with the aid of percutaneous fixators.
4. To stabilize the ligaments and prevent knee instability, the provider repairs and stabilizes the attached ligaments.
5. The provider closes the wound and applies a cast to secure the repair.
6. X-rays are taken to ensure correct alignment of the joint.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 27848 are those with ankle joint dislocation that requires open treatment and possible repair or internal or external fixation. The procedure is performed by a provider who is appropriately trained and qualified to perform the surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 27848

CPT code 27848 should be used when a provider performs open treatment of ankle dislocation, with or without percutaneous skeletal fixation, and includes repair or internal or external fixation. It should not be used if the procedure does not involve repair or internal fixation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27848, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of ankle dislocation
• Details of the procedure performed, including whether repair or internal or external fixation was done
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27848, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided during the same session. Report CPT code 27848 separately and do not report it if the procedure does not involve repair or internal fixation.

8. Historical information

CPT 27848 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 open treatment of ankle dislocation, reduces the joint, repairs the ligaments, and applies internal fixation using K wires.
2. A patient undergoes open treatment of ankle dislocation, with repair and external fixation to stabilize the joint.
3. A provider surgically opens the site of ankle dislocation, reduces the joint, repairs the damaged tissues, and applies external fixation.
4. A patient with ankle dislocation undergoes open treatment, repair of ligaments, and internal fixation using screws.
5. A provider performs open treatment of ankle dislocation, reduces the joint, repairs the ligaments, and applies external fixation using percutaneous fixators.
6. A patient undergoes open treatment of ankle dislocation, with repair and internal fixation using plates and screws.
7. A provider surgically opens the site of ankle dislocation, reduces the joint, repairs the damaged tissues, and applies internal fixation using a combination of K wires and plates.
8. A patient with ankle dislocation undergoes open treatment, repair of ligaments, and external fixation using percutaneous fixators.
9. A provider performs open treatment of ankle dislocation, reduces the joint, repairs the ligaments, and applies internal fixation using a combination of screws and plates.
10. A patient undergoes open treatment of ankle dislocation, with repair and external fixation using a combination of percutaneous fixators and screws.