Question

John Smith was skiing and fell. He sustained a fibular fracture. He was taken to the OR for an open treatment of a left distal fibular fracture with internal fixation. Using the CPT manual, select the appropriate code.

a) 27510
b) 27511
c) 27512
d) 27513

Answer 1

The correct CPT code for open treatment of a left distal fibular fracture with internal fixation is code 27513. This code is chosen based on the specifics of the procedure being an open treatment with internal fixation of a distal fibular fracture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate CPT code for an open treatment of a left distal fibular fracture with internal fixation, based on the information provided, is 27513.

The CPT codes in the 27510 series refer to treatments for fibular fractures, but the specificity of the procedure, such as whether it's closed or open, with or without internal fixation, affects the code choice:

• Code 27510 is for percutaneous skeletal fixation of a fibular fracture, which is not the correct choice here as the treatment was open.
• Code 27511 is incorrect as it describes a closed treatment without manipulation.
• Code 27512 refers to percutaneous skeletal fixation of fibular fracture, proximal end, which does not apply in this case as the fracture is in the distal end.
• Code 27513 is the correct code as it pertains to the open treatment of a distal fibular fracture with internal fixation, which matches the treatment John Smith underwent.