CPT 27760 Reimbursement & Benchmarks

Headline: CPT code 27760: Closed Treatment of Medial Malleolus Fracture, No Manipulation

Lead: CPT code 27760 defines the closed treatment of a nondisplaced or hairline fracture of the medial malleolus that does not require manipulation. The procedure focuses on keeping the fracture aligned, preventing displacement while the bone heals, and relieving pain.

CPT code 27760 represents a common orthopedic fracture management service that matters nationally because ankle fractures are frequent and account for significant emergency and outpatient orthopedic care utilization. Proper coding of closed treatment without manipulation distinguishes conservative management from more complex interventions, with implications for billing, utilization tracking, and clinical quality measurement.

Key payers covered: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

What readers will learn: This publication summarizes the clinical context and coding definition of CPT code 27760, outlines where the service is typically delivered (orthopedic clinics, emergency departments, ambulatory surgical centers), and highlights common modifiers and billing considerations. It provides benchmarks and policy-relevant notes where available and explains how CPT code 27760 fits within conservative fracture management pathways. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 27760 describes a procedure to treat a fracture of the medial malleolus when the fracture is nondisplaced or a hairline fracture that does not require manipulation. The provider performs the procedure to maintain fracture alignment, prevent displacement during healing, and to relieve pain.

Service type: Closed treatment of a medial malleolus fracture without manipulation (immobilization and stabilization).
Typical site of service: Orthopedic clinic, emergency department, or ambulatory surgical center depending on clinical setting and need for immobilization or follow-up care.

Clinical Context

A 42-year-old male presents to the orthopedic clinic after an inversion injury to the ankle during a soccer game. He reports immediate medial ankle pain and difficulty bearing weight. Examination shows focal tenderness over the medial malleolus without gross deformity. Plain radiographs demonstrate a nondisplaced hairline fracture of the medial malleolus. The provider elects to immobilize the fracture to maintain alignment and relieve pain without manipulation. The procedure involves application of a short leg cast or controlled ankle immobilization device, confirmation of appropriate alignment with post-application radiographs, patient education on non–weight-bearing or protected weight-bearing as indicated, and scheduling follow-up imaging at 1–2 weeks to monitor for displacement.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the physician’s professional service separate from technical components (rare for casting procedures billed with global service).
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when identical procedures are performed bilaterally during the same operative session.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207L00000X`	Orthopedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgeons commonly manage ankle fractures and apply definitive immobilization.
`207P00000X`	Podiatry	Podiatrists manage ankle and foot fractures and provide immobilization and follow-up care.
`208000000X`	Family Medicine	Family medicine physicians frequently treat nondisplaced ankle fractures in urgent or outpatient settings and apply casts or braces.
`207K00000X`	Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation	PM&R physicians may provide immobilization and nonoperative management and coordinate rehabilitation.
`207KR0400X`	Emergency Medicine	Emergency physicians commonly provide initial immobilization and casting/splinting in the acute setting.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`S82.621A`	Nondisplaced fracture of medial malleolus of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture	A common code for a nondisplaced medial malleolus fracture when occurring on the right side at initial visit.
`S82.622A`	Nondisplaced fracture of medial malleolus of left tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture	Same as above for the left side.
`S82.60XA`	Fracture of medial malleolus of unspecified tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture	Used when laterality is not yet specified or documented at initial encounter.
`S82.609A`	Fracture of unspecified malleolus of tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture	Alternative when documentation does not clarify medial vs lateral malleolus.
`S82.611A`	Displaced fracture of medial malleolus of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture	Included because initial assessment must differentiate nondisplaced from displaced fractures; displacement would change management.
`S82.612A`	Displaced fracture of medial malleolus of left tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture	Same as above for left side.
`M25.571`	Pain in right ankle and joints of right foot	Symptom code that may accompany initial presentation and support medical necessity for immobilization.
`M25.572`	Pain in left ankle and joints of left foot	Symptom code for left-sided pain presentations.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`20690`	Application of a serial cast (e.g., for fracture), any type	May be performed in follow-up care when serial casting is required to maintain alignment during healing.
`29075`	Application of short leg cast, below knee	Often used as the specific casting code for immobilization of nondisplaced medial malleolus fractures when a cast is applied.
`29515`	Application of short-leg walking boot (prefabricated pneumatic or otherwise)	An alternative immobilization method used in place of casting for stable, nondisplaced medial malleolus fractures.
`73610`	Radiologic exam, ankle; 2 views	Commonly performed before and after cast application to confirm fracture identification and post-application alignment.
`73630`	Radiologic exam, ankle; complete, minimum 4 views	Used when additional imaging is required to fully evaluate fracture configuration or follow-up alignment.
`20690`	Removal and reapplication codes (see above)	Cast removal and reapplication or change of immobilization device may occur during the course of treatment.

OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

CPT 27760: Closed Treatment of Medial Malleolus Fracture, No Manipulation