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Official Description

Treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture; with intramedullary implant, with or without interlocking screws and/or cerclage

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27245 refers to the treatment of specific types of femoral fractures, namely intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric fractures. These fractures occur in distinct anatomical locations of the femur, which is the long bone in the thigh. Intertrochanteric fractures are classified as extracapsular fractures that take place between the greater and lesser trochanters, which are bony prominences on the femur. Peritrochanteric fractures encircle or occur around these trochanters, while subtrochanteric fractures are located just below them. The treatment involves the use of an intramedullary implant, which is a type of internal fixation device that is inserted into the medullary canal of the femur. This procedure may also include the use of interlocking screws and/or cerclage to enhance the stability of the fracture site. Prior to the surgical intervention, imaging studies, such as radiographs, are performed to confirm the presence and extent of the fracture. A thorough neurovascular examination is conducted to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels in the area of the injury. The initial approach to treatment may involve closed reduction, which utilizes longitudinal traction to align the fracture, and this is verified through radiographic imaging. If closed reduction fails to achieve proper alignment, an open reduction is performed, which involves a surgical incision to directly access the fracture site. The surgical technique includes careful dissection of the surrounding muscles and the placement of the intramedullary implant to stabilize the fracture, ensuring proper healing and restoration of function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27245 is indicated for the treatment of specific types of femoral fractures. These include:

  • Intertrochanteric Fractures - These fractures occur between the greater and lesser trochanters of the femur and are classified as extracapsular.
  • Peritrochanteric Fractures - These fractures occur around or encircle the greater or lesser trochanter, affecting the surrounding bony structures.
  • Subtrochanteric Fractures - These fractures occur just below the greater and lesser trochanters, typically involving the area of the femur that is just distal to the trochanters.

2. Procedure

The procedure for treating these fractures using CPT® Code 27245 involves several detailed steps:

  • Radiographic Confirmation - Initially, separate radiographs are obtained to confirm the presence and type of fracture. This imaging is crucial for planning the surgical approach.
  • Neurovascular Examination - A thorough neurovascular exam is performed to ensure that the nerves and blood vessels in the area of the injury are intact, which is essential for preventing complications.
  • Closed Reduction - If appropriate, closed reduction is attempted using longitudinal traction to align the fracture. This alignment is then verified through radiographic imaging.
  • Open Reduction (if necessary) - If closed reduction is unsuccessful, an open reduction is performed. This involves making an incision from the tip of the greater trochanter and extending it proximally to expose the gluteus maximus muscle, which is dissected along its fibers. If greater exposure is needed, the incision may be extended distally, and the iliotibial band may be incised.
  • Placement of the Intramedullary Implant - A metal plate may be placed along the lateral aspect of the femur and secured with screws. Alternatively, an intramedullary implant, also known as an intramedullary nail or rod, is inserted down the center of the femoral shaft. A guidewire is inserted into the greater trochanter and advanced into the intramedullary canal, followed by reaming of the femoral shaft.
  • Securing the Implant - An appropriately sized intramedullary implant is selected and mounted on the insertion device, then positioned within the femoral shaft. If interlocking screws are required, they are placed through the implant at points proximal and distal to the fracture site, typically including screws at the femoral neck and additional screws in the mid-shaft of the femur.
  • Additional Stabilization - A wire cerclage may be wrapped around the fracture fragments to provide additional stability, ensuring proper alignment and support during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the treatment of femoral fractures with CPT® Code 27245 typically involves monitoring for complications, managing pain, and ensuring proper rehabilitation. Patients may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected limb. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process through additional imaging studies and to ensure that the fracture is healing correctly. The healthcare provider will also monitor for any signs of infection or complications related to the surgical site or the implant used.

Short Descr TREAT THIGH FRACTURE
Medium Descr TX INTER/PR/SUBTRCHNTRIC FEM FX IMED IMPLTSCREW
Long Descr Treatment of intertrochanteric, peritrochanteric, or subtrochanteric femoral fracture; with intramedullary implant, with or without interlocking screws and/or cerclage
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3A - Major procedure, orthopedic - Hip fracture repair
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 146 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of hip and femur

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

20702 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intramedullary (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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.)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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.
ET Emergency services
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
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
57 Decision for surgery: an evaluation and management service that resulted in the initial decision to perform the surgery may be identified by adding modifier 57 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AF Specialty physician
AG Primary physician
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GF Non-physician (e.g. nurse practitioner (np), certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna), certified registered nurse (crn), clinical nurse specialist (cns), physician assistant (pa)) services in a critical access hospital
PA Surgical or other invasive procedure on wrong body part
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
ST Related to trauma or injury
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
2007-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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