Summary & Overview
CPT 27508: Closed Reduction of Distal Femur Condylar Fracture
CPT code 27508 represents a closed reduction procedure for distal femoral fractures that involve both the medial and lateral condyles and are managed without open manipulation. This code captures a specific orthopedic intervention used to restore fracture alignment and stability while avoiding open surgical exposure. Nationally, the code is relevant to hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and emergency departments managing acute femoral condylar fractures and is used in claims to distinguish closed techniques from open or percutaneous fixation procedures.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the code, typical sites of service, and which payers commonly adjudicate claims for this procedure. The publication also outlines common billing considerations and the clinical scenarios in which the code applies, and it highlights policy and reimbursement themes affecting coverage and utilization nationally.
This resource is intended to inform billing, coding, clinical, and policy stakeholders about CPT code 27508, including practical benchmarks and the policy environment that influences coding choice and claim adjudication. Data not available in the input are identified where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27508 describes a closed reduction of a distal femoral fracture involving the medial and lateral condyles without manipulation. The procedure focuses on achieving and maintaining fracture stability through closed techniques that do not require open surgical exposure or external manipulation.
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Service type: Closed fracture reduction of distal femur condylar fracture
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Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient or hospital outpatient orthopedic setting, including emergency department or ambulatory surgical center when performed as a procedural intervention
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
An adult patient in their mid-50s presents to the emergency department after a fall from standing with acute pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected knee. Physical exam demonstrates deformity and tenderness over the distal femur. Radiographs and CT confirm a displaced distal femoral fracture involving the medial and lateral condyles (intra-articular distal femoral fracture). The orthopedic trauma team evaluates the patient, confirms neurovascular status, and determines that a closed reduction can achieve acceptable alignment and stability without open exposure. The patient is taken to the operating room or procedure suite for 27508 — closed reduction of distal femoral fracture involving the condyles. Procedural workflow includes informed consent, preoperative antibiotics as indicated, regional or general anesthesia, fluoroscopic guidance for reduction, immobilization with a cast or brace or percutaneous fixation as indicated, and post-reduction imaging to document alignment. Typical sites of service are the hospital inpatient or outpatient surgical suite, ambulatory surgery center, or emergency department procedure area depending on patient stability and disposition. Post-procedure care includes neurovascular checks, pain control, weight-bearing instructions, and orthopedic follow-up for definitive management or monitoring of healing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the day of a procedure |