27698 Ankle ligament repair Medicare reimbursement rates in Connecticut

This code describes secondary repair or reconstruction of a disrupted collateral ligament at the ankle, rather than a straightforward primary repair of a recent injury. It commonly applies when chronic instability follows an older ligament injury or when the ligament cannot be repaired primarily. An orthopedic surgeon, often a foot and ankle specialist, performs the reconstruction in an operating room; a Watson-Jones procedure is a recognized example.

Choose the code when the operative report supports secondary ligament reconstruction, not simply the number of ligaments repaired during a primary repair. Documentation should identify the injured ankle, the chronic or previously disrupted ligament, and the reconstructive work performed. The procedure has a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. For bilateral reporting with modifier 50, CMS pays 150%; when multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued is paid in full and others at 50%. Assistant-at-surgery payment may be available; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted.