27822 Ankle fracture surgery Medicare reimbursement rates in Alabama

Code 27822 represents open operative treatment of a trimalleolar ankle fracture when the surgeon exposes the fracture and stabilizes the medial and/or lateral malleolus, but does not fix the posterior tibial lip fragment. Orthopedic surgeons typically perform this operation in an operating room, often using plates or screws for the malleolar components. The code is distinguished by the three-malleolus fracture pattern and the absence of posterior fragment fixation—not simply by whether imaging shows a posterior fragment.

Report the service for the open treatment and document the fracture pattern, approach, which malleoli were stabilized, and whether the posterior lip was fixed. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and others are subject to the standard 50% reduction. CMS assigns a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.