2025 CPT code 27227
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Fracture Treatment Musculoskeletal System Feed
Open treatment of acetabular fracture(s) involving one column (anterior or posterior), or a transverse fracture, with internal fixation.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances, such as modifier 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), 54 (surgical care only), 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician), or 78 (unplanned return to the operating room). Consult the CPT guidelines for specific modifier usage rules.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a displaced or unstable acetabular fracture that requires surgical intervention to achieve adequate fracture reduction and prevent complications such as nonunion or malunion.Preoperative imaging and clinical examination support the need for open reduction and internal fixation.
The orthopedic surgeon is responsible for all aspects of this procedure, including pre-operative planning, surgical technique, and post-operative care within the global period. Anesthesiologists and other assisting healthcare professionals may also be involved and bill separately for their services.
In simple words: This code covers open surgery to fix a broken hip socket bone. The surgeon will make an incision, realign the broken pieces, and use plates, screws, or pins to hold the bone together. After surgery, the leg will likely be in a brace for several weeks.
This CPT code describes the open surgical treatment of an acetabular fracture involving either the anterior or posterior column, or a fracture extending transversely across the acetabulum.The procedure includes surgical exposure of the fracture, reduction (reallignment) of the fracture fragments, and internal fixation using implants such as plates, screws, wires, or pins to stabilize the fracture.Removal of fracture fragments and any necessary bone preparation are also included. The procedure does not include the application or removal of casts, splints, or traction devices, which would be billed separately.Subsequent procedures, such as cast changes during the global period, are also reported separately.
Example 1: A 60-year-old patient falls and sustains a displaced fracture of the posterior column of the acetabulum. Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws is performed.The surgeon makes an incision, reduces the fracture, and applies internal fixation.Post-operative care (within the global period) includes pain management, physical therapy, and wound care., A 25-year-old patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident and presents with a transverse acetabular fracture.The surgeon performs open reduction and internal fixation using a combination of screws and wires.Post-operative instructions and pain management are provided, and follow-up appointments are scheduled., A 75-year-old patient with osteoporosis experiences an undisplaced fracture of the anterior column of the acetabulum.The surgeon performs open reduction, internal fixation with screws, and postoperative pain management. The patient requires a longer recovery and rehabilitation program than younger patients.
* Preoperative imaging (X-rays, CT scan) showing the fracture details.* Operative report detailing the surgical approach, reduction technique, and implants used.* Intraoperative photographs showing the fracture and the fixation.* Postoperative imaging to confirm the reduction and fixation.* Documentation of postoperative management, including pain control, physical therapy, and wound care.
** Accurate coding requires detailed documentation of the surgical approach, fracture type, and implants used. Always consult current CPT guidelines and payer specific coding rules for proper reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: Orthopedic surgery revenue codes (payer-specific)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary based on geographic location, facility type (inpatient vs. outpatient), and payer.Consult the relevant fee schedule for specific values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure varies by payer and may include post-operative care. Check payer guidelines for the specific number of days included in the global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code as it represents the professional component of the procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not included in this response. Consult the appropriate payer's fee schedule for historical information.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center