Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: Can you explain what a lateral malleolus ankle fracture is and what CPT^® codes I should look to when reporting treatment for this type of fracture?

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Answer: When a patient has a lateral malleolus ankle fracture, he has a fracture at the end of his fibula.

You should report the following codes for lateral malleolus fracture treatment:

• Closed treatment: You should report either 27786 (Closed treatment of distal fibular fracture (lateral malleolus); without manipulation) or 27788 (... with manipulation). Report 27786 for an application of a cast, controlled ankle movement (CAM) walker, splint, or orthosis. Report 27788 when the fracture is displaced, and your podiatrist needs to reduce it.
• Open treatment: You should report 27792 (Open treatment of distal fibular fracture (lateral malleolus), includes internal fixation, when performed).