Summary & Overview
CPT 27752: Tibial Shaft Fracture, Closed Reduction
CPT code 27752 represents the closed treatment of a tibial shaft fracture requiring manipulation to restore and maintain alignment. This code is nationally relevant because tibial shaft fractures are common traumatic injuries that drive acute orthopedic care in emergency departments, ambulatory surgery centers, and inpatient settings. Proper coding affects hospital and physician billing for urgent and planned fracture management and influences utilization metrics for orthopedic services. Key payers commonly involved in coverage and benchmarking include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and an overview of payer coverage and common billing considerations. The publication summarizes national benchmarks where available, highlights coding nuances tied to fracture manipulation without separate treatment of a fibular fracture, and outlines policy and reimbursement topics that affect revenue capture for acute fracture care. Data not available in the input for specific payer rates, ICD-10 pairings, or associated taxonomies is noted where relevant.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27752 describes closed treatment of a tibial shaft fracture with manipulation. The procedure involves manual or instrument-assisted realignment of the tibial shaft to maintain proper alignment and prevent displacement during healing. A concurrent fibular fracture may be present but is not treated separately under this code. Skeletal traction may be used at the provider's discretion.
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Service type: Fracture management procedure involving manipulation (closed reduction)
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Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient surgical setting, emergency department, or ambulatory surgery center where orthopedic fracture reduction and stabilization are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old male construction worker presents to the emergency department after a fall from a ladder with acute pain, deformity, and inability to bear weight on the lower leg. Plain radiographs and clinical exam demonstrate a displaced midshaft tibial fracture; a nondisplaced fibular fracture is present but not separately treated. The orthopaedic surgeon performs a closed manipulation under conscious sedation in the operating room to realign the tibial shaft and maintain reduction with casting or external stabilization. Skeletal traction may be applied transiently during reduction. The procedure is performed to restore alignment, prevent further displacement during healing, and provide pain relief. Typical workflow includes emergency department evaluation, radiographic confirmation, consent, sedation and analgesia, closed reduction/manipulation, postreduction imaging to confirm alignment, application of immobilization (long-leg cast or splint), and discharge with follow-up for repeat imaging and definitive management if needed.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when substantially greater work, time, or intensity is required for the manipulation compared with typical cases (document rationale). |
23 |