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Official Description

Closed treatment of calcaneal fracture; without manipulation

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture refers to a non-surgical approach to managing a fracture of the calcaneus, which is the largest bone in the foot and forms the heel. This procedure is specifically indicated for fractures that are either nondisplaced or minimally displaced, meaning that the bone fragments have not shifted significantly from their normal position. During this treatment, the physician does not manipulate the fracture fragments, which distinguishes it from other procedures that may involve manual realignment. The process begins with obtaining separate radiographs, or X-rays, to confirm the presence of the fracture and assess its characteristics. A thorough neurovascular examination is also conducted to ensure that the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury are functioning properly and are not compromised. Following the assessment, a cast or brace is applied to immobilize the fracture, promoting healing and preventing further injury. This method is effective for stabilizing the fracture without the need for invasive surgical intervention.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulation is indicated for specific conditions related to the integrity of the calcaneus. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Nondisplaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position.
  • Minimally Displaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments are slightly out of alignment but do not require manipulation to restore proper positioning.

2. Procedure

The procedure for closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulation involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Radiographic Evaluation The first step in the procedure is to obtain separate radiographs to confirm the presence of a calcaneal fracture. These X-rays are essential for assessing the type and extent of the fracture, ensuring that the appropriate treatment plan is established.
  • Step 2: Neurovascular Examination Following the radiographic evaluation, a comprehensive neurovascular examination is performed. This assessment is crucial to determine whether the nerves and blood vessels in the area of the injury are intact and functioning properly, which helps to prevent complications during the healing process.
  • Step 3: Application of Immobilization Device Once the fracture has been confirmed and the neurovascular status is deemed satisfactory, a cast or brace is applied to the affected area. This immobilization device is critical for stabilizing the fracture, allowing for proper healing without the risk of further displacement or injury.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of a calcaneal fracture without manipulation, the patient is typically advised on post-procedure care, which includes monitoring the immobilization device for any signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in skin color. The patient may also be instructed to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected foot to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing progress through additional radiographs and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the individual case, but adherence to post-procedure guidelines is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Short Descr TREATMENT OF HEEL FRACTURE
Medium Descr CLOSED TX CALCANEAL FRACTURE W/O MANIPULATION
Long Descr Closed treatment of calcaneal fracture; without manipulation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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