Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Closed treatment of acetabulum (hip socket) fracture(s); without manipulation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27220 refers to the closed treatment of acetabulum fractures, specifically those that do not require manipulation. The acetabulum is the socket of the hip joint, and fractures in this area can significantly impact mobility and function. In this procedure, the physician addresses a fracture that is either nondisplaced or only minimally displaced, meaning that the bone fragments have not moved significantly from their original position. To assess the extent of the injury, the physician may obtain separate radiographs or a CT scan, which are essential imaging studies that provide detailed views of the hip region. During the examination, the physician palpates the anterior and posterior pelvic bones, as well as the greater trochanter, to evaluate the injury's impact on surrounding structures. Additionally, the range of motion of the hip and lumbosacral spine is assessed to determine any limitations caused by the fracture. A thorough neurovascular examination is also performed to check for any signs of nerve impingement, ensuring that the patient does not have compromised nerve function. Treatment may involve bed rest to allow for healing, and the physician may prescribe crutches or a walker to facilitate ambulation while preventing weight-bearing on the affected side. This approach helps to manage the fracture conservatively, promoting recovery while minimizing the risk of further injury.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of acetabulum fractures without manipulation, as described by CPT® Code 27220, is indicated for patients presenting with specific conditions related to the hip socket. The following indications are explicitly recognized for this procedure:

  • Nondisplaced Fractures - Fractures where the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position.
  • Minimally Displaced Fractures - Fractures where the bone fragments are slightly out of alignment but do not require surgical intervention for realignment.
  • Acute Hip Pain - Patients experiencing significant pain in the hip region that may be associated with a fracture.
  • Inability to Bear Weight - Patients who are unable to bear weight on the affected side due to pain or instability.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the closed treatment of acetabulum fractures without manipulation involves several key steps that ensure proper assessment and management of the injury. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Imaging Studies - The physician obtains separate radiographs and/or a CT scan to evaluate the extent of the injury to the hip region. These imaging studies are crucial for visualizing the fracture and determining the appropriate course of treatment.
  • Step 2: Physical Examination - A thorough physical examination is conducted, which includes palpating the anterior and posterior pelvic bones and the greater trochanter. This step helps the physician assess any tenderness or deformity in the hip area.
  • Step 3: Range of Motion Assessment - The physician checks the range of motion of the hip and lumbosacral spine to identify any limitations or pain that may be associated with the fracture.
  • Step 4: Neurovascular Examination - A neurovascular examination is performed to ensure that there is no nerve impingement. This assessment is vital for ruling out any complications that could affect the patient's mobility and function.
  • Step 5: Treatment Plan - Based on the findings from the examination and imaging studies, the physician may recommend bed rest to facilitate healing. Additionally, crutches or a walker may be prescribed to assist the patient in ambulating without bearing weight on the side of the fracture.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of acetabulum fractures without manipulation, the patient is typically advised to follow specific post-procedure care guidelines. This may include continued bed rest to promote healing and prevent further injury. The physician will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process through additional imaging studies if necessary. Patients are encouraged to use crutches or a walker as prescribed to avoid putting weight on the affected side during the recovery period. Pain management strategies may also be discussed to ensure the patient's comfort as they heal. It is essential for patients to adhere to the recommended activity restrictions and follow-up care to achieve optimal recovery outcomes.

Short Descr TREAT HIP SOCKET FRACTURE
Medium Descr CLTX ACETABULUM HIP/SOCKT FX W/O MANJ
Long Descr Closed treatment of acetabulum (hip socket) fracture(s); without manipulation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 146 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of hip and femur
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"