Orthopedic Coding Alert

Clarification:

Use 27824-27825 for Closed Posterior Malleolus Fracture

Our July 2004 Reader Question titled "Closed Posterior Malleolus Fracture Requires an Unlisted-Procedure Code" advised coders to report the open treatment codes 27826-27828 if the surgeon repairs a patient's posterior malleolus fracture that extends to the intra-articular surface of the tibia.

We should have added that if the orthopedic surgeon performs this surgery as a closed procedure, you should report 27824-27825 instead.